What is a Graphical Abstract?

A Graphical Abstract is a concise visual representation of the main content of an academic article. Its purpose is to allow readers to quickly understand the research topic, methodology, key findings and/or main conclusion of the work.

The Graphical Abstract complements the textual abstract of the article but does not replace it. It may be displayed on the article page, used to promote the work, and shared through academic channels or social media.

Optional Submission

Submitting a Graphical Abstract is optional and does not influence the review process or the editorial decision regarding acceptance of the article.

Authors who wish to provide a Graphical Abstract may upload it together with the other files associated with the manuscript.

What Should It Include?

Depending on the nature of the research, a Graphical Abstract may present:

  • the research objective or problem;
  • the data or materials analysed;
  • the methodology or main stages of the research;
  • the main relationships, processes or mechanisms identified;
  • one or more significant findings;
  • the central conclusion of the article.

It is not necessary to include all these elements. Authors should select the information that allows the main contribution of the work to be understood quickly.

The Graphical Abstract must accurately reflect the content of the article and must not introduce results, claims or conclusions that are not present in the published work.

Recommendations for Preparation

A simple and easy-to-follow visual structure is recommended. In many cases, a sequence such as:

Problem → Method → Results → Conclusion

may be sufficient.

Authors are encouraged to:

  • use as little text as possible;
  • use short phrases and clear labels;
  • use easily readable fonts;
  • maintain sufficient contrast between text and background;
  • limit the number of colours and decorative elements;
  • use arrows, diagrams, schemes or icons only when they contribute to understanding the information;
  • avoid reproducing highly complex tables or charts from the article;
  • check that the image remains understandable when displayed at a reduced size.

A Graphical Abstract should not be merely a decorative image or a reproduction of the first figure in the article. It should function as an autonomous visual synthesis of the research.

Tools That May Be Used

A Graphical Abstract may be created using any application suitable for producing presentations, diagrams or illustrations.

Examples include:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint;
  • LibreOffice Impress;
  • Canva;
  • diagrams.net;
  • Inkscape;
  • Adobe Illustrator;
  • specialised scientific illustration platforms.

The journal does not require or exclusively recommend the use of any particular commercial product or service.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Authors may use artificial intelligence-based tools to assist in the preparation of a Graphical Abstract, including for developing the graphic structure, generating visual elements or producing a preliminary version.

The use of such tools does not reduce the authors’ responsibility for the final material.

Authors must pay particular attention to verifying:

  • the scientific accuracy of the information represented;
  • the correspondence between the image and the content of the article;
  • numerical values, formulas, symbols and terminology;
  • any causal relationships suggested by the graphic representation;
  • the absence of fabricated or misleading elements;
  • the rights of use relating to generated or incorporated graphic elements.

A Graphical Abstract generated or modified with the assistance of artificial intelligence must be reviewed and approved by the authors before submission to the journal.

If the editorial office offers, in the future, the possibility of AI-assisted generation of a Graphical Abstract based on the article, the resulting image will be considered a proposal and will not be published without the review and approval of the author or corresponding author.

Copyright

Authors are responsible for respecting copyright in relation to all elements included in the Graphical Abstract.

The use of the following is recommended:

  • original graphic elements;
  • public-domain materials;
  • materials distributed under licences compatible with reuse;
  • elements for which the authors hold the necessary permissions.

Images, icons, illustrations or other copyrighted materials must not be reused without the appropriate permission.

The Graphical Abstract will be distributed under the same access and licensing conditions as the article, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Technical Requirements

For appropriate display both on the article page and on other digital platforms, the following are recommended:

  • format: PNG or JPEG;
  • orientation: preferably landscape;
  • recommended width: at least 1200 px;
  • sufficient resolution to ensure that text and graphic elements remain clear;
  • simple background and good contrast;
  • file size: preferably under 10 MB.

If a vector version of the image is available, it may be requested separately by the editorial office for editorial purposes.

Authors should avoid using very small text, as the Graphical Abstract may also be displayed as a thumbnail.

Editorial Review

The editorial office may request changes to a Graphical Abstract when it:

  • does not accurately reflect the content of the article;
  • contains inaccurate information;
  • is difficult to understand or read;
  • includes an excessive amount of text;
  • contains purely promotional elements;
  • raises copyright concerns;
  • may mislead readers.

The Graphical Abstract is an additional element of scientific communication and is not subject to a separate scientific review from the manuscript.

The published version is the one reviewed and approved by the author and accepted by the editorial office.