Preparing Figures

Figures should be numbered consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in text. Refer to the section Rights and Permissions for detailed instructions on use of previously published images.

Images used for publication should be first-generation files retrieved from the work station. All window and level adjustments should be made before images are exported. Save exported files in TIFF or PSD format of the highest quality. Authors will need two file formats for each image: JPEG for initial submission and TIFF or PSD for final submission.

For a printable guide presented at the 2011 Meeting:

 Digital Image Recommendations (PDF)

Choice of Figures.—Authors should choose figures carefully to support concepts in text and should avoid redundant figures. A maximum of 40 image parts is required. Color images are acceptable if use of color is essential to convey meaning. Color images may be printed in black and white, however, if use of color is deemed unnecessary.

Composition of Images.—Illustrations should show only the area of interest and the anatomy necessary to establish a frame of reference. Images to be combined in one figure, such as anteroposterior and lateral views, should be the same height to facilitate reproduction. When several images of a given type (eg, CT, MR, US) are used, reproduce each type at the same magnification. Figures should correspond to the tonal relations of the original image (ie, radiographs should show the bones white on a dark background, with the patient's right to the observer's left; CT scans, MR images, and sonograms should observe the "view from below" convention).

Image Annotation and Editing.—Digital image files may be labeled in Photoshop, provided the keys are clearly visible (eg, do not place a white key on a white background). Do not add numbers or letter labels (eg, 1a, 1b) to identify figure parts to the image file itself. For excellent advice on image editing, manipulation, and annotation, refer to Corl et al, ["A Five-Step Approach to Digital Image Manipulation for the Radiologist," RadioGraphics 2002; 22:981–992][Full Text][PDF] and Caruso and Postel ["Image Editing with Adobe Photoshop 6.0," RadioGraphics 2002; 22:993–1002.][Full Text][PDF] For final image files (ie, PSD files), position the labels on separate layers, with the image placed on the background layer. Do not flatten the image or merge the layers. Save the image files in PSD format. Our professional graphics staff will convert these files to TIFF format.

Initial Submission Format.—For initial submission, figures should be submitted as JPEG files embedded in a separate MS Word document, named Figures and Tables. For each figure, the legend should be electronically copied and pasted to the page on which the figure appears. Do not use PowerPoint or other presentation software to send images.

Final Submission Format and Digital Quality of Final Image Files. —Authors should submit individual images files of only the highest quality: 300 ppi (pixels per inch) TIFF or PSD for color or gray-scale images and 1200 ppi TIFF or Word or Excel files for graphs and diagrams. Image size should be as close as possible to final printed size. If you cannot see the pertinent radiologic finding on a computer printout of a 3-inch version of the image, your reader will not see it on the printed page. Images embedded in programs such as PowerPoint will not be accepted.

To accompany the annotated revised version of your manuscript, include the final version of your images and legends as JPEGs embedded in the text file, as you did for the original submission.

Author Responsibility.—Authors are responsible for the accuracy of image orientation and labels. Authors do not receive photo proofs of images for approval; they should check images carefully before the final versions are submitted. Modifications to images may be requested by RSNA Publications staff after final acceptance of the manuscript.