science-figure-guide · diff
v1.0 to v1.0
61 added, 0 removed. Audit A to A.
---
name: science-figure-guide
description: "Figure and image preparation guide for Science (AAAS) journal. Covers resolution (150-300+ DPI), file formats (PDF, EPS, TIFF), RGB color mode, Myriad/Helvetica fonts, and strict image manipulation policies including gamma adjustment disclosure."
license: CC-BY-4.0
compatibility: Python 3.10+, Pillow, Matplotlib
metadata:
authors: HITS
version: "1.0"
---
# Science (AAAS) Figure Preparation Guide
## Overview
This guide provides the complete specifications for preparing figures for submission to **Science** journal (published by AAAS). Science has different requirements for initial vs. revised manuscript submissions and requires explicit disclosure of nonlinear image adjustments.
**Official reference**: https://www.science.org/content/page/instructions-preparing-initial-manuscript
---
## Resolution Requirements
### Initial Submission
| Image Type | Resolution |
|---|---|
| All figures | **150-300 DPI** |
### Revised Manuscript (Higher Standards)
| Image Type | Minimum Resolution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Line art | **300 DPI+** | At final print size |
| Grayscale and color artwork | **300 DPI+** | Higher resolution preferred |
**CRITICAL**: Upsampling (artificially increasing resolution) is **prohibited**. The resolution must be native to the image.
```python
from PIL import Image
def check_science_resolution(image_path, stage='initial'):
"""Check image resolution for Science submission.
Args:
image_path: Path to image file
stage: 'initial' (150-300 DPI) or 'revised' (300+ DPI)
"""
img = Image.open(image_path)
dpi = img.info.get('dpi', (72, 72))
min_dpi = 150 if stage == 'initial' else 300
print(f"Stage: {stage} submission")
print(f"DPI: {dpi[0]} x {dpi[1]}")
print(f"Minimum required: {min_dpi} DPI")
if dpi[0] >= min_dpi:
print("PASS: Resolution meets Science requirements")
else:
print(f"FAIL: Need at least {min_dpi} DPI")
return dpi[0] >= min_dpi
```
---
## File Format
### Revised Manuscript Formats (in order of preference)
| Figure Type | Preferred Formats |
|---|---|
| Vector illustrations/diagrams | **PDF, EPS, Adobe Illustrator (AI)** |
| Raster illustrations/diagrams | **TIFF** (300+ DPI) |
| Photography/microscopy | TIFF, JPEG, PNG, PSD, EPS, PDF |
### Initial Submission
- Figures can be embedded directly in `.docx` or PDF manuscript files
---
## Figure Size and Dimensions
| Layout | Width |
|---|---|
| 1 column | **3.4 inches** (86 mm / 20.38 picas) |
| 1.5 columns | **5.0 inches** |
| 2 columns | **7.0-7.3 inches** |
| Maximum | **6.5 x 8 inches** (16.5 x 20 cm) |
Figures should be sized to fit 8.5" x 11" or A4 paper.
```python
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
SCIENCE_WIDTHS = {
'single': 3.4, # inches
'middle': 5.0,
'double': 7.3,
}
def create_science_figure(layout='single', aspect_ratio=0.75):
"""Create a Matplotlib figure sized for Science journal."""
width = SCIENCE_WIDTHS[layout]
height = min(width * aspect_ratio, 8.0) # max height 8 inches
fig, ax = plt.subplots(figsize=(width, height))
fig.set_dpi(300)
return fig, ax
```
---
## Color Mode
- **RGB** is the standard practice
- Journal handles CMYK conversion for print
- No explicit color mode mandate, but RGB is recommended
---
## Font Requirements
| Element | Font | Size | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred font | **Myriad** | — | Sans-serif |
| Alternative fonts | Helvetica, Arial | — | Sans-serif |
| Panel labels | — | **8 pt** | **Bold** |
| Other figure text | — | 5-7 pt | Max 7 pt, min 5 pt |
### Critical Rules
- **All fonts must be embedded**
- Use sans-serif fonts whenever possible
- Simple solid or open symbols reduce well at small sizes
```python
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
def set_science_fonts():
"""Configure Matplotlib for Science journal figure fonts."""
plt.rcParams.update({
'font.family': 'sans-serif',
'font.sans-serif': ['Myriad Pro', 'Helvetica', 'Arial'],
'font.size': 7,
'axes.labelsize': 7,
'axes.titlesize': 7,
'xtick.labelsize': 6,
'ytick.labelsize': 6,
'legend.fontsize': 5,
})
```
---
## Labeling Conventions
### Figure Numbering
- Cite figures in numerical order in the text
### Titles and Captions
- Figure titles go at the **beginning of the caption**, NOT inside the figure
- No single caption should exceed approximately **200 words**
### Axes
- Label ordinate and abscissa with: **parameter/variable**, **units**, and **scale**
- Use sans-serif fonts for all labels
```python
def format_science_axis(ax, xlabel, ylabel, x_unit='', y_unit=''):
"""Format axes following Science journal conventions."""
if x_unit:
ax.set_xlabel(f"{xlabel} ({x_unit})", fontsize=7)
else:
ax.set_xlabel(xlabel, fontsize=7)
if y_unit:
ax.set_ylabel(f"{ylabel} ({y_unit})", fontsize=7)
else:
ax.set_ylabel(ylabel, fontsize=7)
ax.tick_params(labelsize=6)
```
---
## Image Integrity and Manipulation Policy
### PERMITTED
- **Linear adjustments**: Brightness, contrast, color — applied **uniformly to the entire image**
### REQUIRES DISCLOSURE
- **Nonlinear adjustments** (e.g., gamma corrections) must be **specified in the figure caption**
### PROHIBITED
- **Selective enhancement**: Altering one part of an image while leaving other parts unchanged
- Adjustments that cause changes in data interpretation
- Manipulations applied to local areas only
### Best Practices
- Perform all manipulations only on **copies** of unprocessed image data
- Adjustments must be moderate and not misrepresent the data
- All changes must be applied to the **whole image**
---
## Python Quick Start: Full Validation
```python
from PIL import Image
import os
def validate_science_figure(image_path, stage='initial'):
"""Full validation of a figure against Science requirements."""
img = Image.open(image_path)
issues = []
# 1. Resolution check
dpi = img.info.get('dpi', (72, 72))
min_dpi = 150 if stage == 'initial' else 300
if dpi[0] < min_dpi:
issues.append(f"Resolution {dpi[0]} DPI below minimum {min_dpi} DPI for {stage} submission")
# 2. Color mode check
if img.mode not in ('RGB', 'RGBA'):
issues.append(f"Color mode is {img.mode}; RGB recommended")
# 3. Dimension check
if dpi[0] > 0:
width_in = img.size[0] / dpi[0]
height_in = img.size[1] / dpi[1]
if width_in > 7.3:
issues.append(f"Width {width_in:.1f}\" exceeds maximum 7.3\"")
if height_in > 8.0:
issues.append(f"Height {height_in:.1f}\" exceeds maximum 8.0\"")
# Report
print(f"=== Science Figure Validation ({stage}) ===")
print(f"Dimensions: {img.size[0]} x {img.size[1]} px")
print(f"DPI: {dpi[0]} x {dpi[1]}")
print(f"Color mode: {img.mode}")
if issues:
print(f"\nISSUES FOUND ({len(issues)}):")
for issue in issues:
print(f" - {issue}")
else:
print("\nAll checks PASSED")
return len(issues) == 0
```
---
+ ## Key Concepts
+
+ ### Two-Stage Submission Process
+
+ Science uses different figure requirements for initial vs. revised manuscripts. Initial submissions accept 150-300 DPI figures embedded in the manuscript. Revised manuscripts require separate high-resolution files (300+ DPI) in publication-ready formats. This two-stage approach reduces upfront preparation burden while ensuring final quality.
+
+ ### Nonlinear Adjustment Disclosure
+
+ Science uniquely requires explicit disclosure of nonlinear image adjustments (e.g., gamma corrections) in the figure caption. Linear adjustments (brightness, contrast) applied uniformly need no special disclosure. This distinction is critical — failure to disclose gamma changes can be flagged as data manipulation.
+
+ ### Figure Sizing Constraints
+
+ Science enforces strict maximum dimensions: 6.5 x 8 inches (16.5 x 20 cm). Single-column figures are 3.4 inches wide; double-column figures are 7.0-7.3 inches. All figures must fit on standard letter (8.5 x 11 inch) or A4 paper.
+
+ ## Decision Framework
+
+ ```
+ What submission stage are you at?
+ ├── Initial submission
+ │ ├── Embed figures in manuscript (.docx or PDF)
+ │ └── 150-300 DPI acceptable
+ └── Revised manuscript
+ ├── Upload separate high-resolution files
+ ├── Vector figures (graphs, diagrams)
+ │ └── PDF, EPS, or AI format
+ └── Raster figures (photos, micrographs)
+ └── TIFF at 300+ DPI
+ ```
+
+ | Scenario | Format | Resolution | Notes |
+ |---|---|---|---|
+ | Initial submission graph | Embedded in .docx | 150-300 DPI | Low bar for initial review |
+ | Revised manuscript graph | PDF or EPS | Vector | Separate upload required |
+ | Photograph (revised) | TIFF | 300+ DPI | Native resolution only |
+ | Micrograph with gamma adjustment | TIFF | 300+ DPI | Disclose gamma in caption |
+ | Diagram or schematic | AI or EPS | Vector | Embed all fonts |
+
+ ## Best Practices
+
+ 1. **Prepare high-resolution files from the start**: Even though initial submissions accept 150 DPI, creating figures at 300+ DPI from the beginning avoids rework during revision
+ 2. **Disclose all nonlinear adjustments in captions**: Gamma corrections and other nonlinear transforms must be explicitly noted in the figure caption, not just in Methods
+ 3. **Use Myriad Pro as primary font**: Science's preferred font is Myriad; Helvetica and Arial are acceptable alternatives. Consistent font usage across all figures is expected
+ 4. **Keep captions under 200 words**: Science enforces a ~200-word limit on individual figure captions. Move detailed methodology to the Methods section
+ 5. **Place titles in captions, not figures**: Figure titles belong at the beginning of the caption text, not rendered inside the figure itself
+ 6. **Label axes with parameter, units, and scale**: Science requires all axes to include the measured parameter, units in parentheses, and scale information
+ 7. **Use simple solid or open symbols**: Science recommends symbols that reproduce well at small sizes. Avoid complex or filled symbols that become indistinguishable when reduced
+
+ ## Common Pitfalls
+
+ 1. **Submitting low-resolution figures for revised manuscripts**: The 150 DPI floor only applies to initial submissions. Revised manuscripts require 300+ DPI
+ - *How to avoid*: Re-export all figures at 300+ DPI before submitting the revision
+ 2. **Failing to disclose gamma adjustments**: Nonlinear corrections not mentioned in the caption can trigger an image integrity investigation
+ - *How to avoid*: Add a sentence to the caption for any figure with gamma or nonlinear adjustments (e.g., "Gamma correction of 0.8 applied uniformly")
+ 3. **Exceeding figure dimension limits**: Figures wider than 7.3 inches or taller than 8 inches will be rejected
+ - *How to avoid*: Check dimensions before export; use the validation script to verify
+ 4. **Upsampling images to meet resolution requirements**: Artificially increasing DPI adds no real detail and may introduce artifacts
+ - *How to avoid*: Re-export from the original source at native high resolution
+ 5. **Using serif fonts in figures**: Science requires sans-serif fonts (Myriad, Helvetica, Arial). Serif fonts like Times New Roman are not acceptable
+ - *How to avoid*: Set sans-serif as the default in your plotting software before generating figures
+
## Pre-Submission Checklist
Before submitting figures to Science, verify:
- [ ] Initial submission: 150-300 DPI minimum
- [ ] Revised submission: 300+ DPI minimum (no upsampling)
- [ ] Vector figures in PDF, EPS, or AI format
- [ ] Raster figures in TIFF at 300+ DPI
- [ ] Font is Myriad, Helvetica, or Arial (sans-serif)
- [ ] Panel labels at 8 pt bold; text between 5-7 pt
- [ ] All fonts embedded
- [ ] Figure titles in caption, not inside figure
- [ ] Captions under 200 words
- [ ] Axes labeled with parameter, units, and scale
- [ ] All adjustments applied uniformly to entire image
- [ ] Gamma/nonlinear adjustments noted in caption
- [ ] No selective enhancement of image regions
- [ ] Original unprocessed data preserved
---
## References
- Science Initial Manuscript Instructions: https://www.science.org/content/page/instructions-preparing-initial-manuscript
- Science Revised Article Instructions: https://www.science.org/content/page/instructions-authors-revised-research-articles
+ - Science Editorial Policies: https://www.science.org/content/page/science-journals-editorial-policies