How to Make Figures for Nature, Science, and Cell Journals (2026 Guide)

How to Make Figures for Nature, Science, and Cell Journals (2026 Guide)

Getting published in Nature, Science, or Cell is the pinnacle of scientific achievement. But even groundbreaking research can be held back by poorly prepared figures. Editors and reviewers often judge a paper's quality within seconds of looking at its figures — and unclear, low-quality, or improperly formatted visuals can lead to desk rejection before your science even gets evaluated.

This guide covers everything you need to know to create figures that meet the exacting standards of top-tier journals: specific technical requirements, recommended tools for each figure type, a proven workflow, and the common mistakes that get papers rejected.

Why Figure Quality Matters for Top Journals

According to research published in PLOS ONE and analysis from Elsevier, figures that are "not complete or not clear enough to read" are among the top reasons for manuscript rejection.

Top journals like Nature have rejection rates exceeding 90%. When editors have seconds to assess your paper, your figures are often the first thing they see. Poor figures signal poor research — even when that's not true.

A publication-quality signaling pathway diagram. Notice the clear labeling, balanced colors, and professional layout that meets journal standards.

What top-tier figures communicate:

• Your research is rigorous and well-executed
• You understand your field's visual conventions
• You respect readers' time with clear, efficient communication
• You've taken care with every aspect of your work

Technical Requirements: Nature vs. Science vs. Cell

Each journal has specific technical specifications. Here's a comparison of the three most prestigious journals:

Figure Dimensions

Resolution Requirements

File Formats

Typography

Color Mode

All three journals recommend RGB for submission. Colors will be automatically converted to CMYK for print versions. For accurate print preview, you can convert to CMYK yourself before submission.

Critical accessibility requirements (all journals):

• Avoid red-green combinations (colorblind-unfriendly)
• Don't use rainbow/jet color scales
• Ensure text contrast ratio > 4.5
• Use distinct hues that work in grayscale

For detailed color guidance, see our Scientific Color Palette Guide.

Figure Types and Recommended Tools

Different figure types require different tools. Here's a breakdown of what to use for each:

1. Data Visualizations (Graphs, Charts, Plots)

Best tools: R (ggplot2), Python (matplotlib/seaborn), GraphPad Prism, Origin

These tools generate figures directly from your data, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.

Best practices:

• Export as vector (PDF, EPS, SVG) when possible
• Use consistent styling across all figures
• Include error bars and statistical annotations
• Match journal's preferred font

Example workflow:

# R example with ggplot2
library(ggplot2)
ggplot(data, aes(x, y)) +
  geom_point() +
  theme_classic() +
  theme(text = element_text(family = "Arial", size = 7))
ggsave("figure1.pdf", width = 89, height = 60, units = "mm")

2. Molecular Structures and Chemical Diagrams

Best tools: ChemDraw, PyMOL, Chimera, UCSF ChimeraX

These specialized tools ensure chemical accuracy and follow IUPAC conventions.

A chemistry reaction mechanism showing proper bond angles and electron movement — created with attention to chemical accuracy.

Best practices:

• Use standard bond lengths and angles
• Follow journal-specific chemistry style guides
• Export at high resolution (1000 DPI for line art)
• Include stereochemistry when relevant

3. Biological Schematics and Pathway Diagrams

Best tools: Adobe Illustrator, BioRender, Inkscape, ConceptViz

For conceptual diagrams, signaling pathways, and experimental workflows.

Best practices:

• Maintain consistent icon styles throughout
• Use color meaningfully (not decoratively)
• Include clear directional arrows
• Keep text minimal but informative

Quick concept generation: For rapidly exploring diagram concepts before final refinement, AI tools like ConceptViz can generate initial schematics in seconds. This is particularly useful during the ideation phase or for internal lab discussions before investing time in final production.

4. Microscopy and Imaging Data

Best tools: ImageJ/FIJI, Adobe Photoshop, Imaris

For processing and presenting experimental images.

Best practices:

• Apply identical adjustments to all comparable images
• Include scale bars (mandatory for most journals)
• Document all processing steps
• Never manipulate images to misrepresent data
• Use appropriate lookup tables (LUTs)

Cell Press specifically states: "Before you submit, check the original data and make sure you know how the figures were prepared from them."

5. Composite Figures and Multi-Panel Layouts

Best tools: Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, PowerPoint

For assembling individual panels into complete figures.

A well-organized diagram with consistent styling, clear labels, and efficient use of space.

Best practices:

• Align panels precisely using guides/grids
• Use consistent spacing between panels
• Label panels in reading order (a, b, c or A, B, C per journal style)
• Ensure all text is the same size
• Minimize white space without overcrowding

Step-by-Step Figure Creation Workflow

Here's a proven workflow for creating publication-quality figures:

Step 1: Plan Before You Create

Before opening any software:

1. Check journal requirements — Download the specific guide for your target journal
2. Sketch your figure — Plan layout, what each panel shows, and the narrative flow
3. Identify figure type — Data plot? Schematic? Image? This determines your tools
4. Gather all elements — Raw data, images, icons you'll need

Step 2: Create Individual Elements

Generate each component using the appropriate tool:

Pro tip: For schematic diagrams and conceptual figures, you can use ConceptViz's AI diagram tools to quickly generate initial concepts, then refine them in vector software if needed for final submission.

Step 3: Assemble in Vector Software

Import all elements into Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape:

1. Set up your artboard at the correct dimensions (e.g., 89 mm × 60 mm for single column)
2. Import elements — Place PDFs/SVGs as linked or embedded objects
3. Arrange panels — Use alignment tools for precision
4. Add labels — Panel letters, annotations, scale bars
5. Apply consistent styling — Same fonts, line weights, colors throughout

Step 4: Check Against Requirements

Before export, verify:

• Dimensions match journal specifications
• All text is 5-8pt at final size
• Fonts are embedded or converted to outlines
• Colors are colorblind-friendly
• No red-green combinations
• Panel labels match journal style (lowercase vs. uppercase)
• Scale bars included where needed
• Resolution meets requirements

Step 5: Export Correctly

For Nature:

File → Export → Export As → PDF
- Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities: ON
- Embed Page Thumbnails: OFF
- Optimize for Fast Web View: OFF

For Cell:

File → Export → Export As → TIFF
- Color Mode: RGB
- Resolution: 300 DPI (or 1000 for line art)
- LZW Compression: ON

Step 6: Final Quality Check

Open your exported file and check:

• Text is readable at 100% zoom
• No pixelation or artifacts
• Colors appear as intended
• File size is within limits (usually < 10-20 MB per figure)

Common Mistakes That Get Figures Rejected

Based on editor feedback and journal guidelines, here are the most common figure problems:

1. Wrong Resolution or Dimensions

Problem: Figures appear blurry when printed or don't fit the journal layout.

Solution: Always work at 300 DPI minimum. Set your artboard to exact journal dimensions before starting.

2. Rasterized Text or Line Art

Problem: Text looks fuzzy because it was saved as a bitmap instead of vector.

Solution: Keep text and line art as vector elements. In Illustrator, never rasterize text layers.

3. Unreadable Text at Print Size

Problem: Text that looks fine on screen becomes illegible when printed at journal size.

Solution: Preview your figure at actual print size (View → Actual Size in Illustrator). If you can't read it, neither can reviewers.

Labels are sized appropriately to remain readable at publication dimensions.

4. Red-Green Color Combinations

Problem: 8% of male readers cannot distinguish red from green.

Solution: Use blue-orange, blue-yellow, or purple-green combinations instead. Test with a colorblind simulator.

5. Inconsistent Styling Across Figures

Problem: Figure 1 uses Arial, Figure 2 uses Times New Roman. Figure 3 has different line weights.

Solution: Create a style guide before you start. Use the same fonts, colors, line weights, and labeling conventions throughout your paper.

6. Missing Scale Bars

Problem: Microscopy images without scale bars are meaningless.

Solution: Add scale bars to ALL images. Place them in a consistent location (usually bottom-right).

7. Overcrowded Panels

Problem: Too much information crammed into one figure makes it unreadable.

Solution: If a figure needs extensive explanation, consider splitting it. White space is not wasted space — it aids comprehension.

8. JPEG Compression Artifacts

Problem: Saving graphs or schematics as JPEG introduces visible compression artifacts.

Solution: Use PDF, EPS, or SVG for vector graphics. Use TIFF or PNG for images.

Tools Comparison for Publication Figures

Here's a practical comparison of tools for different needs:

Recommended Workflows by Budget

Free workflow:

1. R/Python for data plots
2. ImageJ for image processing
3. Inkscape for assembly
4. ConceptViz for initial schematic concepts

Professional workflow:

1. GraphPad Prism or R for data plots
2. ChemDraw for structures
3. BioRender or Illustrator for schematics
4. Adobe Illustrator for final assembly

Journal-Specific Tips

Nature

• Use their Research Figure Guide — it's comprehensive
• Avoid JPEG, TIFF, PNG for main figures (use vector formats)
• Extended Data figures can be JPEG/TIFF
• 8pt bold lowercase for panel labels (a, b, c)

Science

• Initial submission can be lower resolution (150 DPI)
• Final submission requires high resolution
• Use Times New Roman for text
• Place panel labels at upper left of each panel

Cell

• Graphical abstract required (1200 × 1200 px at 300 DPI)
• Use Avenir or Arial fonts
• Line art needs 1000 DPI
• Consider Figure360 videos for complex figures

Applying These Principles

Creating figures for top-tier journals requires attention to detail, but the principles are straightforward:

1. Know your journal's requirements before you start
2. Use the right tool for each figure type
3. Maintain consistency across all figures
4. Check accessibility (colorblind-friendly, readable text)
5. Export correctly in the required format

For educational materials, quick concept diagrams, or internal presentations, tools like ConceptViz can dramatically speed up the initial creation process. For final publication in Nature, Science, or Cell, you'll want to refine these concepts using professional vector software to meet exact specifications.

The investment in high-quality figures pays dividends: clearer communication, higher acceptance rates, and more citations for your work.

A clean data visualization that communicates results clearly — the hallmark of publication-quality figures.

Related Resources

• Scientific Color Palette Guide
• How to Make Scientific Diagrams for Research Papers
• Best Free BioRender Alternatives
• Best Free Adobe Illustrator Alternatives
• Science Diagram Tools

FAQ

Q: What resolution should figures be for Nature? A: Nature requires 300 DPI for all figures. Images should be supplied at maximum 300 DPI with file sizes under 10 MB. For vector graphics (graphs, schematics), use PDF, EPS, or SVG formats which are resolution-independent.

Q: Can I use PowerPoint to make figures for Science or Nature? A: Yes, but with caveats. PowerPoint can work for simple figures, but you'll need to export carefully to maintain quality. Nature accepts PowerPoint files saved as PDF. For best results, use dedicated vector software like Illustrator or Inkscape for final production.

Q: What's the difference between RGB and CMYK, and which should I use? A: RGB (Red-Green-Blue) is for screens and has a wider color range. CMYK (Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black) is for print. All major journals now recommend submitting in RGB — they'll convert to CMYK for print automatically. If you want to preview how colors will look in print, convert a copy to CMYK to check.

Q: How do I make figures colorblind-friendly? A: Avoid red-green combinations (affects 8% of men). Use blue-orange, blue-yellow, or purple-green instead. Test your figures with a colorblind simulator like Coblis or Color Oracle. For detailed guidance, see our Scientific Color Palette Guide.

Q: Should I include a graphical abstract? A: Cell Press journals require a graphical abstract (1200 × 1200 px at 300 DPI). Nature and Science don't require them but a well-designed graphical abstract can increase visibility and social media engagement for your paper.

Q: Can I use AI tools to generate figures for journal submission? A: AI tools can be helpful for generating initial concepts, schematics, and educational diagrams. For final submission to top journals, verify accuracy and consider refining in professional software to meet exact technical specifications. Always disclose AI usage per your journal's policy — see Nature's AI policy for guidance.

Q: What file format is best for figures with both photos and text? A: For composite figures with both raster images (photos, microscopy) and vector elements (text, labels, graphs), use layered formats like PSD or AI during editing. For submission, export to PDF (preserving vector elements) or TIFF (flattening but maintaining quality). Check your specific journal's preference.

Q: My figure has too much information. What should I do? A: Consider splitting into multiple figures or using supplementary figures for less critical details. Remove any elements that don't directly support your main message. Use white space strategically — crowded figures are harder to understand and less likely to impress reviewers.