Graphical Abstract

In today’s fast-paced, visually-rich scholarly environment, the traditional written abstract is no longer enough. The Graphical Abs page presents a dedicated focus on creating graphical abstracts, single-image visual summaries that convey your research’s key message quickly and engagingly.

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Why Graphical Abs Matter

  • Faster comprehension - Many readers skim; a strong visual lets them grasp the main idea quickly.
  • Greater visibility & shareability - Visual content performs well online, via social media, institutional newsletters and international outreach.
  • Transcending boundaries - With our global research community (130+ countries), visuals help reduce language and discipline barriers.
  • Branding & professionalism - Enhances the polished look of the paper and of Global Journals® as a modern, accessible scholarly publisher.

What You’ll Find Here

  • Featured Graphical Abs Gallery - Curated examples of graphical abstracts created for selected published papers, showing how different layouts and visual styles work.
  • Guidelines & Technical Specifications - Document downloadable for authors: formats, dimensions, recommended layouts (left-to-right, top-to-bottom flow), branding (colour palette, fonts) and accessibility (alt text, readable fonts).
  • Author How-to Guide - Step-by-step assistance: how to draft a concept, choose imagery/icons, design the visual, submit it, and integrate with your article and communication plan.
  • Submission Workflow & Support - Details on how to engage with our communications/design team when you need assistance producing or refining your graphical abstract.

Designing an Effective Graphical Abs

  • To create a compelling visual abstract, consider these best practices:
  • Use meaningful visuals, not just decoration - Pictograms, icons, simplified diagrams or stylised imagery can work; avoid clutter.
  • Identify the single key message - What is the one main insight you want the viewer to remember?
  • Maintain logical flow - Common layouts: left-to-right sequence, top-to-bottom progression.
  • Minimal text, maximum clarity - Short headline, concise sub-text where needed; avoid full paragraphs.
  • Consistency with branding & accessibility - Use approved colours/fonts, ensure high-contrast, readable size, include alt text for accessibility.
  • Design for reuse & sharing - Think about how it will appear on the article page, in social media, in presentations and institutional communications.

Why Global Journals® Supports Graphical Abs

  • We are committed to making high-quality research accessible, visible and impactful. By integrating graphical abstracts into our publishing workflow, we enable authors to:
  • Reach broader audiences (academics, practitioners, policymakers, media)
  • Leverage visual storytelling to communicate the so what and why it matters of their work
  • Align with modern research-communication standards and best practices for visual representation.

How to Submit Your Graphical Abs

  • 1. Once your manuscript is accepted for publication, review the “Graphical Abs Author Guide”.
  • 2. Draft a concept: one sentence of your take-home message; key visual elements/icons you plan to use; preferred layout style.
  • 3.Use existing figures/diagrams where appropriate, or design new visual elements, ensuring rights/permissions if applicable.
  • 4.Design the graphic (or engage our design service) following the technical guidelines provided.
  • 5. Submit the final graphic file along with alt text, article metadata (title, authors, journal, link) and any usage notes
  • 6. We will embed the graphical abstract on the article page, feature it on the gallery, and promote it via our channels.
  • 7.After publication, you are encouraged to share the graphic, embed it in your institution’s web pages, presentations and social media, maintaining proper attribution to Global Journals® and the article.

Make Your Research Stand Out Visually

Your research deserves visibility and clarity. A well-crafted graphical abstract transforms complex findings into a shareable, memorable visual story. At Global Journals®, our Graphical Abs service ensures your work is not only published, but seen, understood and valued.

FAQs: Impact Summary

What is a “Graphical Abs”?

 A Graphical Abs (Graphical Abstract) is a single-image visual summary of your scholarly paper, designed to visually present the core message, major finding or conceptual framework of your work in a way that is accessible and engaging.

Why does Global Journals® ask for a Graphical Abs?

Because we believe research merits clear communication. Visual abstracts help:

  • Quickly convey what your research is about (especially for non-experts).
  • Improve the discoverability and shareability of your paper.
  • Reinforce our global mission: to make research accessible to audiences across disciplines and geographies.
When should I prepare the Graphical Abs?

You should prepare or submit your Graphical Abs when your manuscript has been accepted (or is close to accepted) so the key findings are final. It should ideally be ready by the time the article is scheduled for publication, so it can be embedded on the article page and used in communication.

Who creates the Graphical Abs, the author or the journal?

Either option is possible:

  • As an author you may design and submit the graphic following our guidelines.
  • Alternatively you can request the journal’s communications/design team to assist. In both cases, the graphic will be reviewed to ensure clarity, accessibility, and brand-consistency.
What makes a good Graphical Abs?

Key elements include:

  • Focus on the single take-home message of your research
  • Use meaningful visuals (icons, diagrams, simplified charts) rather than complex full-data graphs.
  • Minimal text; clear layout; logical flow (left-to-right or top-to-bottom).
  • Good readability (font size, colour contrast, accessible design).
What are the technical / style guidelines?

While specific dimensions may vary, recommended practices include:


  • A single schematic image, no part-labels like A, B, C unless clearly coherent.

  • File resolution sufficient for print/web use; legible at thumbnail size.

  • Avoid excessive text or full paragraphs - the visual should complement rather than duplicate the written abstract.
Can I use the Graphical Abs in my own outreach (slides, website, social media)?

 Yes,  once the Graphical Abs is finalised and published, you are encouraged to reuse it in your presentations, website or social media, while retaining attribution (article citation + Global Journals® branding).

What if my research is very technical or data-dense - can I still do a Graphical Abs?

 Absolutely. Even highly technical papers benefit from a simplified visual summary. The purpose is not to show all your data but to capture the essence of your work visually and make it approachable.

Is there a cost associated with the Graphical Abs service?

 In general, no additional fee the Graphical Abs service is part of the communication support we provide with publication. If you request a bespoke or exceptionally elaborate design, we may discuss options separately.

What if the submitted graphic does not meet the guidelines?

 If the graphic does not meet our clarity, branding, accessibility or technical standards, the communications/design team will provide feedback and ask for revisions. We’ll collaborate with you to ensure the final version meets our standards and serves your work well.

Can the Graphical Abs be updated after publication?

 Yes, if significant outcomes or insights emerge post-publication (for example new applications, follow-up work, wider uptake), a revised version may be proposed. However, such updates should align with our policies and publication workflow.