Elsevier (general guidance)
- Dimensions
- Minimum 1328 × 531 px; keep the same 500:200 ratio for larger images
- Resolution
- Minimum 300 dpi
- Important notes
- Preferred files include TIFF, EPS, PDF, or MS Office; avoid unnecessary whitespace.
Submission specification guide
Graphical abstract size and dimensions
There is no universal graphical abstract size. Publishers and individual journals use different dimensions, ratios, formats, and AI policies.
Last reviewed: July 11, 2026SciFig editorial review
The short answer
Start with the exact author guide for your target journal. For example, Elsevier gives a general minimum of 1328 × 531 px at 300 dpi, while specific ACS and Wiley journals publish different physical sizes and aspect ratios.
On this page
Examples from official publisher and journal guidance
These examples show why a single export preset cannot cover every submission. Always open the linked source before final export.
ACS Chemical Reviews (TOC graphic)
- Dimensions
- Up to 5 × 5 cm
- Resolution
- Check the current journal artwork instructions
- Important notes
- Labels must remain legible at final size; long phrases should be avoided.
The FASEB Journal
- Dimensions
- Fit within 50 × 60 mm
- Resolution
- Must be fully legible at final size
- Important notes
- A separate caption has its own content and length requirements.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy
- Dimensions
- 9 × 6 format; guidance specifies 1200 pixels
- Resolution
- Minimum 300 dpi
- Important notes
- Accepts JPG, PNG, TIFF, or PDF and specifies Arial at 12–16 pt.
Requirements change and can differ between journals under the same publisher. The linked author guide for the exact destination journal is the final authority.
01
Pixels, physical size, and DPI are related
Pixel dimensions describe the digital canvas. Physical size describes how large the image will be placed, and DPI describes pixel density at that size. A 4K export is not automatically compliant if its ratio, font size, file type, or physical dimensions are wrong.
- At 300 dpi, 1800 px corresponds to 6 inches of printed width
- Changing the DPI metadata alone does not create missing visual detail
- Check whether the guide asks for minimum, maximum, or exact dimensions
02
Design for the final displayed size
Author guides repeatedly emphasize legibility after reduction. Keep the reading order obvious, minimize text, avoid low-contrast color combinations, and test the figure at the physical or on-screen size used by the journal.
03
A reliable export workflow
Find the exact journal guide, set the required aspect ratio, generate or compose at a sufficiently large canvas, correct all scientific content, add exact labels in an editing tool when necessary, and export in an accepted format. Recheck the guide immediately before submission.
04
Check the journal AI policy separately
Technical image specifications do not answer whether generative AI is permitted. Some publishers require disclosure, restrict image generation, or apply separate rules to graphical abstracts. The authors are responsible for following the current policy.
Create a draft at the right aspect ratio
Start with the target journal requirements, then generate a composition you can verify and finish.
Open graphical abstract generatorGraphical abstract size questions
Create and review your figure
Graphical Abstract Generator
Create a visual draft using a journal-appropriate reading direction.
Biology Figure Generator
Draft pathways, cell processes, and biological workflows.
All SciFig tools
Browse the currently available research-figure tools.
Graphical Abstract Examples
Study useful layouts, prompts, and review notes from labeled AI examples.
How to Make a Graphical Abstract
Follow a practical research-to-visual workflow from outline to submission checks.
Journal Figure Resize
Reflow a finished figure into a column, banner, cover or square proportion.