EMBO Press Figure Guidelines...2015 1fiba | sic1t 1 EMBO Press figure guidelines Technical requirements and layout dimensions for figures in the EMBO Press titles You can find the

1© 2015 embo | wiley

EMBO Press

figure guidelinesTechnical requirements and layout dimensions for figures in the EMBO Press titles

You can find the basic technical requirements on pages 2 – 3.

In depth information on the topics vector graphics, raster images and resolution are explained on pages 6 –11.

basic technical requirements pages 2 – 3 Figure dimensions Figure legends Raster image resolution File types Fonts Labels Scale bars Lines Colours

pages 4– 5 To scale layout and respective pixel dimensions for raster images

understanding image resolution page 6 Vector-based graphics and pixel-based (raster) images Characteristics, applications and common file formats

page 7 Pixel-based (raster) images Check the pixel dimensions and calculate the maximum actual print size of an image at the required resolution

page 8 – 9 Resizing raster images in Adobe Photoshop Relationship between pixel dimensions, actual image size in print and resolution

pages 10 –11 Raster images, size and resolution – examples Relationship between pixel dimensions, actual image size in print and resolution

Supplying high-quality artwork avoids delays in production

time as it minimizes the need for artwork to be resupplied.

2 © 2015 embo | wileyEMBO Press | Figure Guidelines

figure dimensions (size)On the printed page (as visible in the downloadable PDF), the width of figures can be either 87 mm (1 column) or 180 mm (2 columns).

The maximum height of a figure is 230 mm, including, the figure legend. The figure legend is placed by the typesetters in layout, and ideally fits below the figure itself.

see a to scale layout on page 4

figure legendsPreferably, the figure legend appears on the same page as the figure. Please keep this in mind when you create large figures.

For example, one line in a 2-column wide figure legend allows for up to 160 characters (including spaces). One line in a 1-column wide figure legend allows for up to 75 characters (including spaces).

Try to avoid verbal explanations (for example, ‘broken line’ or ‘filled black triangles’) in the written figure legend /caption itself. Place visual cues – a figure key listing the icons and their meaning – in the figure itself.

resolutionpixel-based images, non-vector graphics (greyscale and colour), also called raster images, should allow for printing at a resolution of at least 300 pixel per inch (ppi) at the actual/final print size.

line art, black / white (b/ w) artworkWe recommend to preserve line art that has been created as outline/vector graphic (e.g. charts and diagrams) in its original vector format. Save your figure as high-quality PDF or as EPS if you want to preserve its vector elements and text labels as outline / vector graphics. It usually results in a much better print quality. Additionally, text labels remain editable when the figure is saved as a PDF and therefore are detectable by search engines. The file size is usually way smaller as well.

In case it is not possible to maintain a line art image in its original outline/vector graphic format, and therefore these kind of images are converted into a pixel-based file format, the resultings file should allow for printing at a resolution of ideally 1000 ppi – but at least 600 ppi – at actual/final print size in the layout.

It may only become necessary to convert outline/vector-based graphics into raster images, if your figure displays thousands of separate data points. Just for the sake of the size of the downloadable PDF version of your paper it is better to turn such a processor challenging figure (or just the panel) into a raster image file.

see more detailed information on resolution on pages 6 –11

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figure guidelines overviewResearch Articles & Reviews

continued on next page

For any figure prepared regardless of the programme used, it is a good idea to either print it at final print size or photocopy the full sized image at a reduction level that gives a true sense of the image at its final print size.

figure legend

Minimum height of a figure legend is 7 mm (1 line). Each additional line adds 3 mm.

PAGE 7 How to check the maximum actual print size of an image file

PPI PPI

3EMBO Press | Figure Guidelines© 2015 embo | wiley

EMBO Press

figure guidelines overviewResearch Articles & Reviews

accepted file typesFor publication, we use TIF and EPS files in PC or Macintosh format, preferably created from Adobe PhotoShop or Adobe Illustrator files. We also accept high-quality PDF files.

labelling and fontslabelsOnly use a font of the Adobe Reader Standard Font set such as Arial or Helvetica.

Symbols and labels should have a height of 1.5–2.0 mm at their final published size (font size: circa 7–8 pt at final size).

Figure panels should be indicated by bold upper case letters (A, B, C, etc.) on the top left hand corner.

All comparable labels should have the same size lettering, and the font size should be consistent throughout the figures.

All fonts used for labelling the figures should also be embedded in the final files when saved as EPS or PDF.

colourColour artwork can be submitted in RGB (or CMYK) colour mode.

When using shades of grey or other tints, make sure they can be clearly differentiated – an ideal separation is a 20% step intervall between different shades.

Keeping an image simple is the best way to produce good output. Try to avoid adding more to the graph or illustration than is necessary.

TIFF PDF EPS

Helvetica ArialBA

Uvwxyz Rstuv

Klm

n

0246 80

5

10

15

20

25

30

10 12 14

XyzUvw

scale barsScale bars, rather than magnification factors, should be used, with the length of the bar defined in the legend rather than on the bar itself.

lines and strokesThe recommended minimum line weight is 0.3 pt for black/dark lines on a light background, and 0.4 pt for white/light lines on a black background.

Do NOT define lines as ‘hairline’ width as the line can vanish altogether in print.

Minimum line weight of light lines on dark background

Minimum line weight of dark lines on a light background

R G B C M Y K

sequence dataUse the font Courier for sequence data.

scientific symbols and greek charactersUse the font Symbol for scientific symbols and Greek characters.


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to scale layout of embo press titles

Preferably, the figure legend appears on the same page as the figure. Please keep this in mind when you create large figures.

For example, one line in a 2-column wide figure legend allows for up to 160 characters (including spaces). One line in a 1-column wide figure legend allows for up to 75 characters (including spaces).

Minimum height of a figure legend is 7 mm (1 line). Each additional line adds 3 mm.


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to scale layout and resulting pixel dimensions


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vector-based graphics and pixel-based imagesCharacteristics, applications and common file formats

pixel-based (raster) imagesPixel-based images – also often called raster images – consist out of a matrix of image dots, called pixels. The number of pixels from left to right, and the number of pixels from top to bottom are the pixel dimensions of an image.

The pixel dimensions of an image define – and consequently limit – the actual size and resolution at which an image can be displayed in good quality on screen and in print (see opposite page for details).

Examples for well known applications and file formats that are used for creating, retouching and exchanging pixel-based graphics are:

→ AdobePhotoshop | .psd → GIMP | .xcf → Corel Painter | .riff

→ .tiff → .bmp → .jpeg → .png → .gif

TIF, BMP, JPG, PNG and GIF allow for saving pixel-based information. Some of the proprietary file formats also allow to save vector based information, e.g.in Adobe Photoshop files (PSDs) you can save vector-based graphics in form of ‘Smart Objects’ and also layers containing editable text.

vector-based (outline) graphicsVector-based (or outline) graphics contain graphic elements that are described solely by mathmatical equations. This allows a smooth adaption to all kinds of output devices, and therefore vector graphics are freely scalable: You can enlarge and minimize such a graphic without loss of information and image quality for display on screen and in print.

Vector-based graphic elements are resolution-independent.

Some of the widest known applications that are used for creating and editing vector graphics and file types that support the storage of vector graphics are:

→ Adobe Illustrator | .ai → ACD Canvas | .cnv → CorelDRAW | .cdw → Adobe Flash | .fla

→ Scalable Vector Graphic | .svg Open Standard (supported by W3C)

Most elements you can draw in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel are vector-based graphics too.

Almost all digital fonts (e.g. Helvetica, Arial, Times) are special applications based on vector graphic shapes that define each character, sign and symbol that is available in that font. This way, fonts can be displayed smoothly at (nearly) any size on screen and in print.

PLEASE NOTE | Pixel-based/raster images can be placed – either as linked or embedded images – in most file-types that support vector-based graphic elements, e.g. TIFs, BMPs, JPGs, PNGs can be placed in AI, CDR, CNV, PDF, PPT, DOCX files (see comment on Container file types below).

However, in opposite to the freely scalable vector elements saved in the vector graphic supporting file formats, the linked or embedded pixel-based image is still defined by its original pixel dimensions and therefore needs to allow for a certain resolution to ensure a good quality for its display on screen and or actual size in print.

Container file types: Combining vector-based and pixel-based graphics in layoutLayout software enables the user to combine (usually great amounts of) text, vector-based graphics and pixel-based images on pages of defined format and dimensions:

Examples for well known applications that are used for creating layouts are:

→ Adobe: InDesign | .indd → Adobe: Quark: QuarkXPress | .qxd → Microsoft PowerPoint | .pptx → Microsoft Word | .docx → iWork Keynote | .key → iWork Pages | .pages

Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW and ACD Canvas only make sense for creating documents that comprise a single (e.g. figures) or few pages.

File formats like ppt(x) and doc(x) are often used for exchanging content, but the appearance of the content may change when these file are opened on other computers that do not have exactly the same fonts and/or have other settings that impact on the way the content is represented.

In order to ensure that the recipient sees exactly the same representa-tion of content as intended by the sender secure file formats like high-quality PDFs and EPS files should be used.

pdfMost of the applications mentioned on this page allow to save – or export – the content as high-quality PDF. This form of PDF has been developed to exchange data that is meant to be presented in a defined format on a page of defined size: Everybody who opens a high-quality PDF on whatever kind of computer usually sees the same representation of content. High-quality PDFs store vector-based and pixel-based information applying a more or less loss-free compression.

epsIn opposite to the PDF, the EPS format is meant to be a single page format. It is NOT advisable to try to save multiple pages in one EPS file. Most EPS filters will have problems interpreting such a file. Though it is still perfectly fine to use the EPS file format, it is more and more replaced by using high-quality PDFs instead.

vector-based graphicWhen you zoom into this graphic you will notice that it appears sharp and clear at all zoom stages.

pixel-based graphicWhen you zoom into this graphic you will notice that single pixels become visible and the image itself starts to look blurry.


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pixel-based/raster imagesCheck the pixel dimensions and calculate the maximum actual print size of an image at the required resolution

Where do I find the information on the pixel dimensions of a raster image file?MAC 1| Click on file name 2| Go to menu FILE | GET INFO or press z I

PC 1| Click on file name 2| Via right mouse click go to MEDIA INFO or to PROPERTIES | DETAILS

1| Check pixel dimensions of the image file

2| Calculate the maximum print size of this image in width (or height) using the following equation:

Maximum width or height for image in print (inch)

=Pixel dimension in width or height (pixels)

Required resolution for print (pixels/inch)

What is the maximum actual print size for a raster image at the required resolution?

300 pixels per inchFor use in the layout of a journal, an image – e.g. a microscopy image or a photo – should allow for printing at a resolution of 300 pixel per inch (ppi) at the actual print size of this image in layout.

This means, if your image is, for example, 1024 pixels wide and 600 pixels high its maximum actual print size at 300 pixels per inch is:

Width: 1024 pixels / 300 pixels per inch ≈ 3.41 inch (≈ 86.6 mm) Height: 600 pixels / 300 pixels per inch = 2 inch (≈ 50.8 mm)

This image will look good in professional magazine/journal print as long as it is printed not (much) larger than 86.6 × 50.8 mm.

1 inch ≈ 25.4 mm

3.41 inch (≈ 86.6 mm)=1024 pixels

300 pixels/inch (ppi)

EXAMPLE | The image file has 1024 × 600 pixels (wide × high)

1 inch ≈ 25.4 mm

1.02 inch (≈ 25.9 mm)=1024 pixels

1000 pixels/inch (ppi)

EXAMPLE | The image file has 1024 × 600 pixels (wide × high)

1000 pixels per inchIn case the image contains very delicate structures, e.g. fine monochrome lines (so called line art) or small text labels it would even need to allow for a resolution of 1000 pixels per inch. In this case the maximum actual print size of an image with the same pixel dimensions as above at 1000 pixels per inch is:

Width: 1024 pixels / 1000 pixels per inch ≈ 1.02 inch (≈ 25.9 mm) Height: 600 pixels / 1000 pixels per inch = 0.60 inch (≈ 15.2 mm)

The fine elements in this image will look sharp and crisp in professional magazine/journal print as long as the image is printed not larger than 25.9 × 15.2 mm in layout.

You can always place a raster image at a smaller size in a figure layout, but if you place it at a larger size than calculated above the effective resolution of the image is lower and NOT sufficient anymore for

professional printing purposes for a journal or magazine. The image would look blurred in print.


Always keep a safety copy of the most original, unaltered largest version of a pixel-based image file. Once you have altered the pixel dimensions of a pixel-based/raster image, saved and closed the file, there is no way to restore the exact information that had been contained in the original image file.

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pixel-based images: resizing images in adobe photoshopRelationship between pixel dimensions, actual image size, and resolution

!the image size command in adobe photoshop1| Go to menu IMAGE | IMAGE SIZE or press z+ ALT + I (MAC) or CTRL + ALT + I (PC)

In order to maintain the aspect ratio of your file the linking symbol between Width & Height (actual print size of image at the Resolution set below) should always be checked/active.

Dimensions of the image in pixels: Keep a keen eye on these values when the Resample box is ticked!

Your changes in the fileds below should NOT INCREASE the values for the original pixel imensions listed here. The image would become blurrier when its original pixel dimensions are increased.

Dimensions of the image in pixels

With the Resample box unchecked as shown in this screen shot the pixel dimensions of the image CANNOT be changed.

The parameters for Width & Height and Resolution can be changed independently from each other if the Resample check box is ticked.

You can decrease the pixel dimensions of the image by changing the parameters for Width & Height and/or Resolution.

The parameters for Width & Height and Resolution can only be changed accordingly to each other if the Resample check box is NOT ticked.

When you decrease or increase the parameters for Width & Height or Resolution the respective remaining parameter (Resolution or Width & Height) is adjusted accordingly so that the original pixel dimensions of the image are maintained.


Increasing the pixel dimensions

As shown on page 10 in the bottom left corner, increasing the pixel dimensions of an image means the application just adds information in the form of additional pixels that have been interpolated from the information of the existing surrounding pixels. This leads – in almost all cases – to blurrier images. The higher the difference between the original pixel dimensions and the new, higher pixel dimensions the blurrier the image will become. Please be aware of this when you resort to this – rather harmful – measure.

The pixel dimensions of raster images that contain delicate, fine structures – like thin lines or small written labels – should NOT be increased at all. Even a small increase of the pixel dimensions results in visibly blurred details in those kind of images.

Original image

As explained on the opposite page it is only possible to change the pixel dimensions (white triangle) of a raster image file in the Image Size window if the Resample check box is ticked (pink arrow).

With this setting, changes to Width&Height and/or Resolution impact on the number of pixels an image is built of and therefore also changes its file size.

Decreasing the pixel dimensions

In order to bring the file size (dark triangle) of a raster image into a reasonable range for specific purposes it may be adviseable to decrease its pixel dimensions. This can be done by reducing the parameter for Width & Height down to the actual print size the image is meant to have in the final layout (but make sure to maintain the minimum required resolution at the same time).

Only resize your files down to an actual print size that is still sufficient to transport the relevant information in layout. There is no need to provide photos or microscopy imagery that have a resolution higher than 300 – 600 pixel per inch (ppi). Only line art needs to allow for a resolution of 1000 pixel per inch.

Please make sure that your image files do not exceed the required resolution excessively.

changing actual print size and resolutionWith the Resample check box NOT ticked the pixel dimensions of the image CANNOT be changed.

changing pixel dimensions, actual print size and resolutionWith the Resample check box ticked the pixel dimensions of a raster image can be changed.

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pixel-based images: resizing images in adobe photoshopRelationship between pixel dimensions, actual image size, and resolution

Changing the resolution

Decreasing the Resolution of the image automatically increases the values for Width & Height, i.e. increases the actual print size of an image at the Resolution set in the field below (see screen shot above).

Increasing the Resolution of the image automat-ically decreases the values of Width & Height, i.e. the actual print size of an image at the Resolution set in the filed below (example not shown).

The pixel dimensions of the image remain unchanged.

Changing the actual print size

Decreasing the value/s for Width & Height of the image automatically increases the value for Resolution (see screen shot above).

Increasing the value/s for Width & Height of the image automatically decreases the value for Resolution (example not shown).

The pixel dimensions of the image remain unchanged.

Original image

As explained on the opposite page it is NOT possible to change the pixel dimensions of a raster image file in the Image Size window if the Resample check box is NOT ticked (blue arrow).

With this setting, changes to Width & Height or Resolution do NOT impact on the pixel dimensions (white triangle).

Using the Image Size command without the Resample box ticked is an easy way to check the maximum print size of a raster image at the required resolution.

The quality of most photos and images will visibly suffer if their original pixel dimensions are increased

by more than 10 per cent.


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raster images, size and resolution: examplesRelationship of pixel dimensions, actual image size, and resolution

Pixel-based image file B.jpg

Dimensions 600 × 600 pixels

The file can have a maximum actual print size of 2 × 2 inch in layout, if it needs to allow for a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi).

Pixel-based image file A.jpg


The file can have a maximum actual print size of 1 × 1 inch in layout, if it needs to allow for a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi).



In the image below the pixel dimensions of the file above have been increased from 300 × 300 pixels to 900 × 900 pixels (e.g.

via using the Image Size command in Photoshop). Increasing the original pixel dimensions of an image has most likely a detrimental impact on the image quality. This becomes clearly visible if you compare the blown up image below with the unaltered image of the same dimensions on the right side. The lines in the blown up image on the left are pixelated and other fine details (e.g. the labels) are visibly blurred.



The file can have a maximum actual print size of 1×1 inch in layout, if it needs to allow for a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi).

Pixel-based image file C.jpg


The same file as below is placed at an actual print size of 2 × 2 inch in layout. Its resolution at this size is 450 pixels per inch (ppi).

2 inch

2 inch

Pixel-based image file C.jpg


The file – same file as above – can have a maximum actual print size of 3 × 3 inch in layout, if it needs to allow for a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi).

3 inch

1 inch

1 inch

These examples also show that the resolution of an image file is NOT a fixed parameter: The resolution does NOT describe the size of a digital image file in any

way. The resolution of an image file always depends on the size in which an image is displayed and /or printed.


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raster images, size and resolution: examplesRelationship of pixel dimensions, actual image size, and resolution

Vector-based (outline) graphic I_outline.ai

This version of the graphic is not a raster image but a vector graphic. Therefore it is resolution-independent and freely scalable without loss of quality. It looks sharp at any magnification on screen, and can be printed at any size without loss of quality.

All other images on this page have been rendered as pixel-based images by opening and saving this Illustrator file in Photohop at various dimensions.

Pixel-based/raster image file F.jpg


Placed at an actual size of 2 × 2 inch in layout the pixel dimensions of this file allow for a resolution of 300 ppi.

Pixel-based/raster image file H.jpg



Pixel-based/raster image file G.jpg


Placed at an actual size of 2 ×2 inch in layout the pixel dimensions of this file allow for a resolution of 600 ppi.

2 in

ch

2 inch

Pixel-based/raster image file D.jpg



2 in

ch

2 inch

This resolution is NOT sufficient for printing.

Pixel-based/raster image file E .jpg



Most modern desktop monitors or screens of mobile devices have a resolution of around or higher than 100 ppi (and not 72 ppi).

This resolution is NOT sufficient for printing.

Documents

EMBO Press Figure Guidelines...2015 1fiba | sic1t 1 EMBO Press figure guidelines Technical requirements and layout dimensions for figures in the EMBO Press titles You can find the