Journal Submission Made Easy with An Expertly Crafted Graphical Abstract
• Designed to meet the requirements of your target journal and delivered in just 4 days
• No need to provide a sketch, and enjoy unlimited support till you are satisfied
3000+ graphical abstracts delivered Support until you are happy with your graphical abstract
We will provide unlimited revisions, free of charge*, until we have created a graphical abstract that matches your vision.
Please feel free to contact us even after we deliver the final version, or if you need to make revisions based on feedback from your supervisor or co-authors
*If completely different content or format is required, an additional fee might be charged.
Choose your plan
2D Graphical Abstract
A concise, visual summary of the key findings of your manuscript using high-quality, two-dimensional graphics—suitable for journal submission and popular among researchers.
Appropriate to show relationships, processes, or data that can be effectively represented in a flat format
Keep the copyright of the finished graphic, use and share freely without permissions
A first draft is provided in just 4 working days.
$284 $149
3D Graphical Abstract
One-of-a-kind custom 3D graphics ensure the most realistic and accurate representation of your research paper—create visual impact in conferences and on social media too.
Appropriate for showing 3D structures or spatial relationships, especially complex anatomical and molecular structures
Keep the copyright of both individual vector elements as well as the finished 3D image
A black-and-white "rough sketch" is provided before first draft creation to ensure the 3D elements match your requirements.
$499 $249
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
How multiple experts collaborate to create your graphical abstract
C O N T E N T
Step 1
A scientific writer reads your paper and instructions to understand the core of your study and your vision.
Step 2
The scientific writer then creates a "storyboard" and "wireframe" for the graphical abstract based on journal guidelines.
Step 3
A scientific content reviewer checks and finalizes the storyboard and wireframe.
D E S I G N
Step 4
A graphic designer uses the storyboard and wireframe to create a design draft.
Step 5
A design reviewer checks the design draft, and the scientific writer, content reviewer, and both designers collaborate to finalize the draft.
Step 6
After a final quality check, the graphical abstract is delivered to you for your feedback.
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
What you have to provide
2D Graphical Abstract
Step 1
Provide your manuscript, target journal, and instructions.
Step 2
After first draft is delivered in 4 days, provide your feedback.
Step 3
Based on your feedback, the final draft will be created within 2-3 working days.
*If your graphical abstract needs revisions after the third step, each round of revisions will take 2 working days.
3D Graphical Abstract
Step 1
Provide your manuscript, target journal, and instructions.
Step 2
After sketch is delivered in 3 days, provide your feedback.
Step 3
After first draft is delivered in 5 days, provide your feedback.
Step 4
Based on your feedback, the final draft will be delivered in 2-3 working days.
*If the graphical abstract requires revisions after the fourth step, each round of revision will take 3 working days.
**As 3D graphics are created from scratch in this service, delivery can take longer than the 2D service.
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.
Medicine Life Sciences Chemical Sciences
We work with top publishers mandating 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.
How to make graphical abstracts for your research paper
Complete your article
Layout the results
Create visual fields
Add visuals and icons
General guidelines to prepare Graphical Abstracts
Most journals and publishers provide specific instructions for preparing graphical abstracts.
Be sure to read the guidelines carefully before designing yours!
Here are some common graphical abstract guidelines outlined by top publishers:
Image Resolution
Maintain a minimum image resolution of 300 dpi.
Document Formats
Upload your graphical abstract as a separate document in one of the following formats: TIFF, EPS, PDF, PNG, JPEG, or MS Office files.
Image Quality
Your image may be scaled to fit specific dimensions. Ensure that you provide a high-quality image for optimal reproduction.
Font Styles
Use standard fonts for the text in graphical abstracts, such as Times New Roman, Arial, Courier, Helvetica, or Calibri.
| ⏰ Turnaround time | Delivery in 4-5 days for first draft from order confirmation. |
|---|---|
| 💲 Rate | $149 for 2D and $249 for 3D |
| 🪄 Deliverables | 2D or 3D graphical abstract file, Explanatory letter, Development materials (for 3D) |
| 📄 Document types | Research/Review articles, clinical case studies, thesis manuscripts, abstracts, books, grant proposals, patent documents, etc. |
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 is the rough sketch in 3D graphical abstract service?
A rough sketch serves the purpose of providing a concept sketch to the client that delineates the approach envisioned by the designer for the actual graphical abstract. It is an initial version that is usually greyscale and is only meant to provide an overview of the layout/structure of the graphical abstract. It helps us confirm with the client if our approach is aligned with their expectations to avoid major revisions at later stages. - 05
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. - 06
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. - 07
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. - 08
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/ - 09
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. - 10
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! - 11
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. - 12
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. - 13
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. - 14
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 - 15
What mistakes should I avoid when creating a graphical abstract ?
• Overly generalizing: While your visual abstract should provide a summary of your work, avoid being too vague. This applies to all parts of the graphical abstract, including the objective, methodology, results, and conclusions.
• Using too many images: Yes, images are necessary. However, avoid using them excessively and ensure they are all relevant to your study. Each graphic should have a purpose, and the reader should be able to understand the general idea of your research when the images are viewed together.
• Adding too much text: Some textual content is necessary in your visual abstract to provide context to the readers. However, avoid adding excessive information. Tip: Design your graphical abstract such that there’s a balance between textual and visual content.
• Lacking consistency: All the icons, pictograms, and symbols used in the visual abstract should ideally come from the same library or repository. Using them inconsistently can make the graphical abstract visually jarring.
• Using a poor background: Avoid using a patterned background or one with low contrast. It is preferable to use a background that contrasts well with the foreground elements of your graphical abstract. - 16
What are some best practices for making a graphical abstract?
• Simplify, don’t overload: Avoid excessive detail. Focus on conveying the main idea with clarity, as too much data or information can make the visual abstract confusing or overcrowded.
• Identify key components: Choose the core elements from each section of your paper—your study objective, main methods, significant results, and conclusions. These elements should form the backbone of your graphical abstract.
• Use a clear and logical layout: Organize information logically, following a flow from objectives to conclusions. Think of your visual abstract as a mini-story that viewers can easily follow.
• Choose readable fonts and clear labels: Use simple and large fonts that are easy to read even at smaller sizes. Label key parts of the graphic clearly and avoid using excessive text within the graphic.
• Select appropriate colors: Utilize colors to highlight important results and guide the viewer’s eye. Use a limited color palette to maintain a professional look and ensure color choices are accessible (colorblind-friendly if possible). - 17
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.