Well-formatted figures and tables do more than meet technical requirements. They improve clarity, strengthen professional presentation, and help reviewers focus on your research rather than formatting issues.
With expert support from Springer Nature Author Services, your figures and tables are formatted to align with your target journal’s specifications while improving visual consistency and readability. Submit with peace of mind knowing your visuals are publication-ready.
What we improve
Our professional illustrators and formatting specialists refine both technical and visual elements so your findings are presented effectively.
For figures
We optimize:
File type and resolution for journal submission
Color space and contrast for print and online publication
Fonts, labels, and text size for consistency
Line weights, symbols, and scale bars for clarity
Multi-panel layouts (A, B, C labeling)
Spacing, borders, and overall visual balance
The result is figures that are clear, consistent, and professionally presented.
For tables
We enhance:
Borders and shading
Font consistency and alignment
Row heights and spacing
Structural layout to meet journal expectations
Well-formatted tables improve readability and reinforce the clarity of your findings.
Clearly present your research
Our Figure Formatting service supports effective communication of your data in line with your target journal’s specifications. ● Figures are formatted to meet journal standards for size, resolution, color, and layout ● Labels, text, and graphical elements are adjusted to improve clarity and readability ● Visual presentation supports accurate interpretation of your results
Product features
Our illustrators adjust the file type, resolution, color space, font, scale, line weights, layout, spacing, borders, and shading of your figures to accurately and efficiently communicate your results.
Our illustrators adjust the borders, shading, font, alignment, and row heights of your tables to ensure they meet journal expectations, along with enhancing their appearance.
We are committed to your success. After your figures have been formatted, we will continue to answer any questions you have about the work we have completed.
Comprehensive technical review
Every figure undergoes a detailed review and adjustment process, including:
File format compliance
Resolution verification
Color profile correction
Font and label standardization
Layout and structural alignment
These refinements help ensure your visuals meet journal specifications while improving overall presentation quality.
Support at every step
We aim to make formatting straightforward and stress-free.
After your figures and tables are formatted:
You may review the updated files before submission
Our team remains available to answer questions about the completed work
If post-submission adjustments are needed, we provide responsive support
Our goal is to reduce delays and give you confidence during submission.
We aim to make the formatting process straightforward. After your figures have been formatted, our team remains available to answer questions about the completed work and address any follow-up needs.
Support at every step
We aim to make formatting straightforward and stress-free.
After your figures and tables are formatted:
You may review the updated files before submission
Our team remains available to answer questions about the completed work
If post-submission adjustments are needed, we provide responsive support
Our goal is to reduce delays and give you confidence during submission
Accepted figure file types and resolution requirements
We accept a wide range of digital figure formats. For the best formatting outcome, we recommend submitting editable or high-resolution source files whenever possible.
01
Standard image files
JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, GIF
02
Figures within document files
PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
03
Vector and professional formats
AI, PSD, EPS, PDF
Category
Accepted file types
Resolution
Notes
Standard image files
JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
Minimum 200 dpi for image-based figures
Submit the highest-resolution version available to preserve clarity during formatting.
Figures within documents files
Figures placed inside PowerPoint (PPT/PPTX),
Word (DOC/DOCX), and
Excel (XLS/XLSX)
Minimum 200 dpi for embedded images,
none required for vector-based elements
Embedded images may be compressed.
Providing original image files separately
is recommended whenever possible.
Vector / Professional file
Adobe Illustrator (.ai, .ait),
Adobe Photoshop (.psd, .pdd),
EPS, PDF
No minimum resolution required for vector elements,
200 dpi minimum for raster images within files
Ideal for graphs, charts, line drawings,
and multi-panel figures.
Not accepted
Hand-drawn figures, scanned sketches,
or non-digital illustrations
—
Figures must be provided in digital formats
suitable for professional formatting.
If a higher-quality source file is required to achieve the best formatting result, we may request the original or editable version of your figure.
Not accepted
We do not accept hand-drawn figures, scanned sketches, or non-digital illustrations. Figures must be provided in digital file formats suitable for professional formatting.
How to get the best results
To help us deliver optimal formatting:
Provide editable files whenever possible
Submit graphs and diagrams in original formats.
Share high-resolution images
Provide original image files separately.
Tell us your target journal
We use your selected journal’s specific formatting guidelines to align figures with stated requirements.
Consider journal size limits
Complex figures with multiple components may need to be divided for clarity and compliance.
Upload only the figures requiring formatting
You may include notes clarifying which items are part of your order.
Review these sample outputs to see how formatting services can improve layout, labeling, and overall readability. Examples demonstrate adjustments to resolution, panel arrangement, font consistency, and structural alignment.
What file types do you accept for figure formatting?
We accept a range of file types, including standard image files, figures embedded in document files, and professional vector formats. If your software exports alternative formats, we can advise on how to provide files in a recommended format.
How will I review my formatted figures if the file type changes?
Formatted figures are returned in widely used, publication-ready formats that are easy to review and submit to journals.
How are images such as photographs and micrographs formatted?
Images are adjusted for resolution, color space, contrast, labeling, and sizing to meet journal requirements while preserving scientific accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
What file types do you accept?
We accept a broad range of editable, image-based, and professional design formats. Please see the Accepted File Types and Resolution Requirements table above.
Do you accept hand-drawn figures?
No. We do not accept hand-drawn figures or scanned sketches. All figures must be provided in digital formats suitable for professional formatting.
How will I review my formatted figures if the file type changes?
Formatted figures are returned in widely used, publication-ready formats that are easy to review and submit to journals.
How are photographs and micrographs formatted?
Image-based figures are adjusted for resolution, color space, contrast, labeling, and sizing to meet journal requirements while preserving scientific accuracy.
What file types do you accept?
We accept a broad range of editable, image-based, and professional design formats. Please see the Accepted File Types and Resolution Requirements table above.
Do you accept hand-drawn figures?
No. We do not accept hand-drawn figures or scanned sketches. All figures must be provided in digital formats suitable for professional formatting.
How will I review my formatted figures if the file type changes?
Formatted figures are returned in widely used, publication-ready formats that are easy to review and submit to journals.
How are photographs and micrographs formatted?
Image-based figures are adjusted for resolution, color space, contrast, labeling, and sizing to meet journal requirements while preserving scientific accuracy.
Quality assurance
We are committed to supporting authors throughout the publication process.
Formatting guarantee: We guarantee that your formatted figures and tables will meet the stated specifications of your target journal.
Post-Submission support: If journal editors raise formatting concerns after submission, we will review the feedback and make necessary corrections promptly. Please provide the exact files submitted to the journal along with editorial comments so we can resolve issues efficiently.
Ongoing assistance: If you experience any issues with your formatted files, our team is available to assist you.
Explore Springer Nature Author Services resources for guidance on preparing and submitting your manuscript, thesis, or grant application.
