The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science: Second Edition (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) by Scott L. Montgomery

Author:Scott L. Montgomery
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi
ISBN: 9780226144641
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Published: 2017-02-21T06:00:00+00:00

Some Necessary Pointers

First, keep text on your figures to a minimum. Use it mainly for labeling, not for explanation (leave this to the caption and main text). Also, be consistent from one figure to the next in the fonts you use, numbering and lettering style, and other such aspects.

Avoid any overly fanciful or arcane fonts for your images. This will only distract the viewer (while drawing attention to yourself as the possible embodiment of bad or eccentric taste).

When needed, use different font sizes to indicate different levels of importance. Be consistent about your sizes and font styles from one graphic to the next. Alternatively, consider using boldface or italics as highlights or as a means to add a dash of visual interest. Be aware, however: too much variation is distracting, so keep your visual hierarchy simple, clean, efficient.

It is common practice for many journals to offer readers the option of downloading a PowerPoint slide (for teaching) of most or all of the figures in a paper. If this is the case, you must design your figures appropriately. This means they need to be clear, sharp, and readable both at a reduced size and when blown up on a slide.

Make sure all illustrations, whether originals or scans, have a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch) or higher. This is the absolute minimum required for printing; 600 dpi is usually better. Provide high-quality laser printouts of every figure, if these are requested.

Use a simple, clear system for naming digital files of your artwork. Common schemes include surname of the lead author + figure number (Montgomery.2); one or two keywords + figure number (Apoptosis.2); and simple abbreviation of keywords + figure number (CrysRNA.2).

Finally, remember that true elegance in science resides in simplicity and restraint.

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