science-figure-guide

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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

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Color Mode

• RGB is the standard practice
• Journal handles CMYK conversion for print
• No explicit color mode mandate, but RGB is recommended

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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

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,
    })

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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

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)

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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

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Python Quick Start: Full Validation

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

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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

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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