Figures
Checklist
Before sending a figure, please check this list to ensure that the file meets our criteria:
- The file is provided in our required file formats,.jpg,.tiff, or.pdf (see the “preparation” section below)
- If the figure is not in.jpg,.tiff, or.pdf, convert it to an accepted file type that enables the highest quality
- Artwork (excellent resolution, not blurry, stretched or pixelated)
- A file is provided per figure
- All figures have a white space, no unnecessary elements removed
- All text is in English and does not contain any spelled or grammar errors
- All fonts used are embedded and are in the journal's standard font style - Arial or symbol
- Font size is consistent
- Lines are a minimum of 0.3 pt
- Images do not contain layers or transparent objects
- Files are named using the naming conventions ([Manuscript ID] Figures [number])
- Figures are provided separately from the manuscript
- All multi-panel figures are labelled (e.g. A, B, C, D)
- All copyrights and permissions for use of third-party content have been obtained.
- Graphics downloaded from web pages are unacceptable.
Preparation and Submission
Recommended image resolutions:
- Colour photographic images: minimum 300 dpi
- Grayscale photographic images: minimum 600 dpi
- Line art or monochrome images: minimum 1200 dpi
- Combination images (photographs and labelling): minimum 600 dpi
The manuscript should not contain any figures that have been pasted. Please provide figures as a high-quality.jpg,.tiff or.pdf file separate from the manuscript. Please ensure that any file in.pdf format is not a "locked" file because it is incompatible with our workflow software. The image colour should be RGB.
File naming conventions
Name the figures file as Figure 1, 2, 3, etc. According to the order in which they appear in the text. In the multipart figure, each element should be labelled (e.g. Figure 1a, Figure 1b). Check and ensure that all figures are cited in the manuscript text.
Size
The figures should be as highest resolution (highest quality) as possible. Files must not exceed 50MB. Remove any elements that are not intended for publication, including any extra space around the image. Make sure the image file does not contain any layers or transparent objects.
Fonts
You can use journal standard fonts, Arial and symbol (Roman). If you are providing a .pdf file, ensure that your fonts are embedded. Throughout your work, keep the font size consistent. Do not use effects such as marking and shadows in any letter.
Figure legends
Legends of figures must begin with the number of the figures described (e.g. Figure 1: ). If a subfigure exists, each subfigure must be labelled and described in the figure legend.
The shots should be concise but descriptive. If you contain patterns, colors, symbols or other formats that show important data, it is necessary to include an explanation note or key. If symbols or alphabetic symbols are used (e.g. *, **, #, ##, a, b, etc.), keys should be included in the figure legend.
If the figure or sub-figure is copyrighted and you have obtained the permission to use, please ensure that the required credit line and acknowledgements is included in the figure legend. If the image belongs to the author, this should be acknowledged in the caption. A copy of the reuse permission must be provided to the journal.
*Please read and follow the "Images and Figures" section under the editorial policy. Please note that there are specific instructions and considerations for the images of research.
Tables
The table should present new information instead of copying the text. Readers should be able to interpret the tables even if they are presented separately from the text. Ensure that each table is cited in the manuscript text.
- Provide tables in original editable format (such as Microsoft Word or Excel). Our production team cannot accept tables as images (e.g. tables in.jpg,.tiff or other image formats).
- The table can be provided in the manuscript or as an independent file (a file per table).
- The table legends currently displayed on each table, instead of excluding them as the first row of the table. The table footnotes should be separated from the title and are placed under the table to which they apply.
- If a table contains indicators, symbols, abbreviations, bolding or other formatting that indicates important data, you must provide a detailed note or key.
- If you use indicators for footnotes, please use a superscript (a, b, c). These letters should follow the alphabetical order from the top left of the table to the bottom right.
- All reference citations included in the table must contain the relevant reference list number (in Arabic superscript numbers). Please ensure that these numbers are consistent with the reference list in the manuscript.
- If multiple tables are submitted, consistency in presentation is recommended.
- If information is represented numerically, use as many decimal places as is appropriate for your purpose. This number should be consistent throughout the column and table, if possible.
- All tables’ text should be in English.
- The table cannot contain images.
Consider the size of each table and the likelihood that it fits into a single journal page. If the table is cramped in a Microsoft Word document, the default setting represents a page A4 (210 x 297 mm), and it is difficult to clearly represent it on a page B5 journal page (176 x 250 mm). If this is the case, consider splitting the data into two or more tables.
