General Tips

• Prepare figure at final size for your publication.
  • Ensure that all lines are thick enough to reproduce clearly.
  • Ensure that all text is large enough to remain legible.
  • If your figure will not be printed in color, do not produce your figure in color.
• Ensure that your figure can be adequately described by your caption.
  • If using shades of gray, be sure to include a key in your figure.
  • If using symbols, ensure that you can clearly differentiate between them.
• Remove all unnecessary elements from your electronic file.
• If using shading, be sure to provide an electronic file.
• Check spelling on all text in your image.

Graphs

• Avoid using a background grid on your graph.
• Ensure that all symbols on your graph are large enough to reproduce clearly.
• Ensure that all lines and curves are thick enough to reproduce clearly.

Grayscale images

• Ensure that your image has enough contrast to reproduce clearly.
• If you created your image in color, be sure that the information you wish to convey can still be distinguished in grayscale mode.
• Remember that you will be charged a color printing fee for all color images in your paper.

Photographs

• Ensure that your background provides a clear contrast to your subject matter.
• If your photograph will not be printed in color, photograph in black and white if at all possible.

File format

• Resolution should be at least 300 pixels per inch (ppi) for color or grayscale images. Resolution should be at least 600 ppi for monochrome images.
• TIFF files are preferred, but EPS or high-quality JPEG files are also acceptable. GIF files should be avoided.
• Separate files should be submitted for each image, and each should be clearly named, including the figure number.
• Color images should be saved using CMYK color, not RGB color.

Prepare figure at final size for your publication.
The default image widths for publication are 21 pc, 33 pc, or 43 pc (3.5 in, 5.5 in, or 14.33 in) for all publications except the Journal of Applied Poultry Research, which uses 16 pc or 33 pc (2.67 in or 5.5 in) image widths. If you cannot alter the size of your image using software, try reducing a printed copy of the image on a photocopier to preview your image at the final size. To avoid problems when figures are resized, do not use hairline rules.

Produce your image in the color mode in which it will be printed.
If your image will not be printed in color, do not provide color hardcopy or color electronic files. Often the color will mask contrast problems that only become apparent when the image is printed in black and white. If your image is to be printed in color, be sure to provide CMYK color images instead of RGB color to reduce color shifts when the image is printed.