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GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT SERVICES
From AI-Assisted to Expert-Designed Graphical Abstracts for Easy Journal Submission
A graphical abstract for every budget: AI-assisted graphical abstracts reviewed by scientific experts or fully custom illustrations designed by our professional science communication team.
7,000+ graphical abstracts delivered worldwide
AI-Assisted Graphical Abstract
AI-Assisted. Expert-Refined. Built for Research Communication.
Expert-Reviewed Output
Reviewed and refined by scientific experts before delivery.
Fast Turnaround
Publication-ready graphical abstracts in just 2 days.
Editable Vector Files
Fully editable source files for future revisions
Secure & Confidential
Securely processed. Never used for external AI training
Behind Every AI-Assisted Graphical Abstract
See how AI-assisted creation and expert review work together to deliver secure, publication-ready visuals.
Step 1
Step 1: Submit your Manuscript
Step 2
Step 2: AI-assisted concept development
Step 3
Step 3: Expert review and refinement
Step 4
Step 4: Design and delivery
How We Use AI Responsibly
- No external AI model training
- Secure manuscript processing
- Unique outputs for every submission
- Researcher-controlled final files
Secure & confidential processing
Expert-Designed Graphical Abstract
High-impact journals are making graphical abstracts mandatory and requiring specific designs.
Let us take this stress off your plate!
Designed for Your Target Journal
Customized to target journal’s submission requirements.
Unlimited Revisions Included
Publication-ready graphical abstracts in just 2 days.
Created by Scientific Illustrators
Expert illustrators and science communication specialists.
Copyright Ownership Included
Secure copyright of your graphical abstract for free use
How the Expert-designed process works — step by step
Our workflow blends AI-assisted design with our experts to deliver secure and publication-ready graphical abstracts tailored to each manuscript.
Step 1
Step 1: Upload Your Manuscript
Step 2
Step 2: Questionnaire
Step 3
Step 3: Graphical abstract creation – First draft
Step 4
Step 4: Final Draft
How We Work With You for Journal Submission
- Matching the requirements
- Apply journal templates where required
- Unlimited revisions and completely human expertise
- 7,000+ graphical abstracts made for journal submissions
Secure & confidential processing
Choose the Right Graphical Abstract Support
Whether you need a fast AI-assisted graphical abstract or a fully custom scientific illustration, choose the level of support that fits your publication goals.
Creation Method
AI-assisted workflow with expert review
Fully custom scientific illustration made by human experts
Scientific Oversight
Expert-reviewed and refined
Designed by scientific illustrators
Turnaround Time
2 business days
4 business days
Free Journal Compliance
Available as paid add-on
Included
Free Revisions
Revision available at just $16
Unlimited revisions
Deliverables
Editable vector files included
Publication-ready design files
Secure & confidential processing
Graphical Abstract Examples by Editage
- AI Graphical Abstract
- Expert-Designed Graphical Abstract
How does a graphical abstract help my article?
Graphical abstracts quickly capture reader’s attention, as people tend to process visual information more efficiently than text.
A well-designed graphical abstract boosts your research paper’s engagement on social media and other online platforms.
Graphical abstracts quickly capture readers’ attention because people tend to process visual information more efficiently than text.
With many high-impact journals requiring graphical abstracts, including one for your paper can expand the pool of target journals.
Research papers with graphical abstracts can help you reach a wider audience, both within the scientific community and among laypersons.
Why Choose Editage Graphical Abstracts
Specialized expertise in scientific illustration
Customized graphical abstracts as per your target journal requirements
Output in multiple formats (jpg, pdf, png, tiff)
Customer satisfaction guarantee
Keep copyright of your graphical abstract
Why are graphical abstracts necessary?
Top publishers and high-impact journals require Graphical abstract Research Papers with graphical abstracts get 3X more downloads and 8X more shares on social media. With 8,000 research papers published every day, graphical abstracts help you stand out and make your research understandable to a global interdisciplinary audience.
Editage's scientific editing was exceptionally detailed and thorough. I also used their graphic abstract service, and the graphic designer was very patient, making revisions based on my feedback on the first draft. He captured the feelings and details I wanted, aligning perfectly with my ideas. It was a great experience!
Published in
Cell Communication and Signaling
Zhimou Cai
First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
Journal Impact Factor (2024)：8.2
I experienced excellent service quality and efficiency while using the graphic abstract service. Editage responded to my needs promptly and delivered high-quality results in a very short time. The color scheme of the images was both harmonious and eye-catching, creating an impressive effect that showcased a high level of professionalism. Overall, this service not only met my expectations but also significantly enhanced the presentation of my project. I would be very happy to work with Editage again.
Published in
Frontiers in Microbiology
Hong Wang
Shanxi Agricultural University
Journal Impact Factor (2024)：4
Frequently Asked Questions
- 01
What is a graphical abstract?
A graphical abstract represents a simple, concise, and visual summary of the key findings of a manuscript, providing a quick overview of how the results fit together into a conceptual or empirical framework, and how that framework impacts a scientific field. It does not go into the details of the study methods or findings, but instead focuses on the core of the study and key take-aways. A graphical abstract may have different names depending on the journal- e.g. visual summary, graphical summary, etc. - 02
Why is my journal asking for a graphical abstract?
While research publications are commonly understood to mean manuscripts, journals often request a “graphical abstract” or “visual abstract” along with the article. With a shift from physical prints to digital publications, the composition of scholarly content has seen a change. To be found, indexed, and distributed through search engines, and to be accessible to an evolving audience, journals and academic publishing houses must include more web-friendly elements like graphical abstracts with their manuscripts. Graphical abstracts are also powerful tools for attracting readers to specific manuscripts, since readers can get a quick, at-a-glance overview of the study and do not have to read through the abstract. - 03
What will I have to provide?
To help us create a graphical abstract, you will need to provide your manuscript or the key details about your research, including the main findings, important data points, and any visual elements you want to include. This may consist of figures, diagrams, or illustrations that represent your results effectively. In addition, you may provide references or a sketch of how you’d like the graphical abstract to look. Finally, if you have a target journal in mind, you can let us know, so that we adhere to the journal’s guidelines for graphical abstracts. - 04
What if I am not happy with the final version of graphical abstract design or visual abstract?
In case you're not happy with the final version of your graphical abstract, we provide revision rounds to help align the design with your expectations. You can reach out to us to provide suggestions for revisions, highlighting the specific changes you want. Our team of designers then implement these revisions to ensure that you’re satisfied with the final design. - 05
What are the components of a visual abstract?
A graphical abstract typically includes the core findings of the study in a schematic format or simple directional layout: • A brief background and/or main methodology can be included to establish context • Key findings/outcomes/results– should be the main component/central concept of a graphical abstract • Take-away message can be included if it’s not clear from the rest of the schematic. - 06
What are the types of visual abstracts?
1. Infographic-style abstracts: These abstracts combine different elements—text, graphics, and data visualizations, such as charts.
2. Image-based abstracts: In these abstracts, the key findings or concepts are conveyed through a single image or a collection of photos. These can be especially useful for research that includes visual components, such as microscopy or medical imaging.
3. Animated abstracts: These abstracts communicate important findings and concepts using animation or videos. These are used for research involving intricate mechanics or processes as these topics can be explained well through animated videos rather than conventional ones.
4. Interactive abstracts: These abstracts are mainly used in research that involves a lot of data. They give viewers the option to interact with the visual components, such as zooming in on particular data points or viewing various diagrams by clicking on or hovering the cursor above the visual abstract. - 07
What are the differences between graphical abstracts and infographics?
An infographic is a much more detailed visual summarization of the study, and usually covers the background, all major methods and findings, and conclusions. On the other hand, a graphical abstract is more flexible in terms of what it contains and can be dedicated to even one key figure of the manuscript as long as it captures the core take-away. Graphical abstracts are, therefore, more minimalistic compared to infographics. For additional guidance, please refer to this link: https://mindthegraph.com/blog/graphical-abstracts-vs-infographics/ - 08
Why is graphical abstract important and how are graphical abstracts effective in academic communication?
A graphical abstract represents a simple, concise, and visual summary of the key findings of a manuscript. The advantage of a graphical abstract is that it conveys the crux of the article and its take-home message at a single glance. This, in turn, encourages the reader to dive into the full manuscript, promoting its readership. In fact, research has shown that the average of an article with a graphical abstract annually is double that of one without a graphical abstract.
Graphical abstracts can also double as bite-sized shareable imagery that can improve a paper's social media engagement. Several studies have found that having a well-designed graphical abstract not only improves a paper's social media engagement but also enhances the perception of the paper as more well-written, scientifically rigorous, and even written by a more intelligent group of authors. - 09
Do graphical abstracts need a title?
No. Titles are not strictly necessary for graphical abstracts. However, a concise title can enhance the abstract's visibility and help readers quickly identify the subject matter. Different journals may have different requirements- do ensure you check the journal guidelines for graphical abstracts! - 10
What are the requirements for graphical abstract?
The requirements for a graphical abstract differ depending on the target journal. Generally, they include criteria such as clarity of visuals, specific dimensions, and adherence to formatting standards. In some cases, the journal might provide a standard template to be followed. To ensure compliance, it’s essential to review the submission guidelines of your chosen journal. Based on your target journal, our experts can also assist you in reviewing the graphical abstract guidelines to ensure they align with the journal's requirements. - 11
What is the difference between graphical abstract and visual abstract?
The terms "graphical abstract" and "visual abstract" are often used interchangeably, but they can have nuanced differences. A graphical abstract specifically refers to a visual summary accompanying a research article, while a visual abstract may encompass broader types of visual communication, including infographics or illustrations. However, both aim to enhance understanding and engagement with research findings. - 12
Are there any journals which mandate graphical abstract?
For the list of journals that require graphical abstracts, please refer to the link below: https://mindthegraph.com/blog/journals-that-require-graphical-abstracts/. Journal guidelines are constantly changing, so it’s important to check the guidelines of your target journal while preparing your submission to verify whether they mandate a graphical abstract. - 13
What is the standard size for graphical abstract?
Graphical abstract dimensions are typically specified by the target journal guidelines and there is no universal standard. At Editage, if there is no target journal information, we typically follow the guidelines below:
Minimum size: 1328 x 531 pixels (w x h)
Minimum resolution: 300 dpi - 14
What mistakes should I avoid when creating a graphical abstract?
• Overly generalizing: Your visual abstract should summarize your work but avoid vagueness in the objective, methods, results, and conclusions
• Using too many images: Use relevant images only; each should serve a purpose and collectively convey your research
• Adding too much text: Include only necessary text to provide context; avoid overloading with information
• Lacking consistency: Use icons and symbols from the same library to maintain visual consistency
• Using a poor background: Avoid patterned or low-contrast backgrounds; use one that clearly contrasts with foreground elements - 15
What are some best practices for making a graphical abstract?
• Simplify, don’t overload: Focus on the main idea; too much detail can clutter the visual abstract
• Identify key components: Include only the core elements—objective, main methods, key results, and conclusions.
• Use a clear and logical layout: Arrange content in a logical flow, like a simple, easy-to-follow story.
• Choose readable fonts and clear labels: Use large, simple fonts and clear labels with minimal text.
• Select appropriate colors: Use a limited, accessible color palette to highlight key points and guide the viewer’s attention. - 16
What is the role of graphical abstracts in scientific research?
A graphical abstract,
• Visually summarizes the key findings of a scientific research
• Uses graphics to inform readers of the study’s most valuable information
• Bridges the gap between science and audience through concise representation
• Highlights the evolution of research presentation in the landscape of scientific communication