Targeted literature searches are a fundamental part of writing clinical manuscripts that will meet the standards of high-quality journals and contribute meaningfully to evidence-based practice. When physicians write clinical manuscripts, utilizing a targeted literature search can identify high-quality, relevant, and current evidence. While a general literature review is useful, a targeted literature search is specific to the clinical question and should be completed through frameworks established, such as PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) and PRISMA [1].

How to Format and Submit a Graphical Abstract for High-Impact Journals

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How to Format and Submit a Graphical Abstract for High-Impact Journals

Table of Content
1. What is a Graphical Abstract?
2. Journal Requirements: Publisher Guidelines Overview
3. Key Components of a Well-Designed Graphical Abstract
4. Design Principles for High-Impact Journals
5. Tools for Designing Graphical Abstracts
6. Steps to Format a Journal-Compliant GA
7. Submission Process: Step-by-Step
8. Conclusion
9. References

Graphical abstracts (GAs) have become a critical component in academic publishing, especially in high-impact journals. They visually summarize the core findings of a research paper, enhancing its visibility and helping readers grasp complex information quickly. This article outlines the formatting standards, submission procedures, and best practices for preparing graphical abstracts for reputed journals such as Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, and ACS.

1. What is a Graphical Abstract?

A graphical abstract is a concise, pictorial representation that conveys the central message of a scientific article. It aids in quick comprehension and boosts discoverability, particularly in digital databases and social media platforms.

Purpose:

  • Summarize complex findings visually
  • Improve article engagement and citation
  • Comply with journal submission standards

1.1. Example of Graphical Abstract

Example of Graphical Abstract

Figure 1: Pharmacokinetics and tumor delivery of nanoparticles. Image adapted from Yuan, L., Chen, Q., Riviere, J. E., & Lin, Z. (2023). Pharmacokinetics and tumor delivery of nanoparticles. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104404

2. Journal Requirements: Publisher Guidelines Overview

Different journals have different GA specifications. Below is a comparison of commonly required features:

Publisher Format Type Size/Resolution File Format Text Allowed
Elsevier [1]Single image560×1100 px, min. 300 dpiTIFF, JPG, EPSMinimal, legible text
Springer NatureOptional visualUp to 1200 px widthPNG, JPG, SVGCaptions allowed
Wiley [2]Structured image1200×628 px, 300 dpiJPG, TIFFLabels only
ACS Publications [3]Visual summary3.25 x 1.75 inches, 300 dpiTIFF, JPG, PDF20-word max caption

3. Key Components of a Well-Designed Graphical Abstract

A well-designed GA should include the major conclusions of an article and should be scientifically accurate. It should be self-explanatory, without crowding, and visually attractive.

Must Include Avoid
  • Primary research findings (not raw data)
  • Image or schematic (workflow, concept/model)
  • Legible text (no paragraphs)
  • Clear labelling of parts
  • Too many details or texting
  • Low-resolution graphics
  • Inconsistent styles (fonts, colours)
  • Copyrighted images or third-party images

4. Design Principles for High-Impact Journals

To comply with editorial and technical requirements, the graphical abstract should:

4.1. Focus on One Key Message

  • Highlight the main finding and not the full details of the method or background
  • Use icons, arrows, and colours to direct the viewer’s attention
Example:

In a study on nanoparticle-based drug delivery, the GA should focus on the mechanism of delivery, the therapeutic outcome, not the full route of synthesis [4]

4.2. Use Professional Visual Hierarchy

  • Title: Optional but brief (<10 words)
  • Icons/Schematics: Simple and self-explanatory
  • Colour: Use contrasting colours; do not use gradients
  • Font: Use sans-serif fonts Arial or Helvetica

4.3. Journal-Specific Aesthetic Preferences

  • ACS: Clean white background, no 3D elements
  • Elsevier: Encourages data visualization over illustrations
  • Nature Journals: Prefer illustration-style rather than infographic

5. Tools for Designing Graphical Abstracts

You can use the following tools, depending on your skill level:

Tool Suitable For Features
BioRender [5] Biomedical sciences Pre-designed icons, templates
Adobe Illustrator Advanced users Vector precision, layering
Canva Beginners Drag-and-drop templates
Microsoft PowerPoint Quick editing Custom shapes, export to image

6. Steps to Format a Journal-Compliant GA

6.1. Identify the Journal Requirements

Visit the “Guide for Authors” page for formatting and submission policies.

Example: Elsevier requires a GA for all articles submitted to journals like “Journal of Controlled Release” or “Biomaterials.”

6.2. Design the GA

Incorporate:

  • Research Context (1 icon)
  • Experimental Design (1–2 panels)
  • Key Result (1 chart or visual)
  • Conclusion (1–2 phrases)

6.3. Optimize for Readability

  • Avoid small fonts (<8 pt)
  • Limit use of text (<50 words)
  • Use white space efficiently

6.4. Validate Technical Parameters

  • Resolution ≥300 dpi
  • Size as per journal-specific dimensions
  • Accepted file format

6.5. Include Citation or Credit

If reusing third-party visuals, include attribution or permissions.

7. Submission Process: Step-by-Step

7.1. During Manuscript Upload

Most publishers ask you to upload the GA as a separate file during submission on platforms like Editorial Manager or ScholarOne.

7.2. Metadata Entry

Some systems require:

  • Short title/caption (e.g., 20-word summary)
  • Category tag (e.g., visual abstract, table of contents graphic)

7.3. Supplementary Materials

Some journals (e.g., Wiley) allow uploading the graphical abstract as supplementary material, visible during online access only.

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Conclusion

A well-structured graphical abstract aids in the discoverability and influence of research articles. By following publisher stipulations on layout and format, distilling information for simplicity, and using trusted designs, researchers can increase the visibility and compatibility of their research across platforms.

Need support with graphical abstracts for your manuscript? Our experts at Pubrica design journal-compliant graphical abstracts tailored to your research field.

References

  1. (2024). Graphical Abstracts Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/authors/tools-and-resources
  2. (2023). Author Resources for Visual Abstracts. Retrieved from https://authorservices.wiley.com
  3. ACS Publications. (2023). Supporting Information and TOC Graphic Guide. Retrieved from https://pubs.acs.org
  4. Sahu, T., Ratre, Y. K., Chauhan, S., Bhaskar, L. V. K. S., Nair, M. P., & Verma, H. K. (2021). Nanotechnology based drug delivery system: Current strategies and emerging therapeutic potential for medical science. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 63(102487), 102487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102487
  5. (2024). Scientific Illustration Resources. https://biorender.com
  6. Yuan, L., Chen, Q., Riviere, J. E., & Lin, Z. (2023). Pharmacokinetics and tumor delivery of nanoparticles. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104404

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