Scientific Illustration Insights
Tutorials, tool comparisons, and prompt frameworks for researchers creating publication-ready scientific figures.
Articles
IMRaD Format: Structure a Research Paper
What IMRaD stands for, what belongs in each section, the mistakes that blur the boundaries, and how figures map onto the structure in a research paper.
SciFig Team·
7 Best Lucidchart Alternatives in 2026
Lucidchart alternatives for research and engineering diagrams, compared on offline use, self-hosting, vector export, and pricing model for academic teams.
SciFig Team·
Mapping Diagram: How to Make One (2026)
What a mapping diagram is in mathematics, how to draw domain and range correctly, and how to show injective, surjective, and bijective relations clearly.
SciFig Team·
Mermaid to Image: Export Diagrams (2026)
How to export Mermaid diagrams to SVG, PNG, and PDF from the CLI, VS Code, and CI, plus what to do when the output is not publication quality.
SciFig Team·
7 Best Miro Alternatives for Research Diagrams
Miro alternatives compared for research teams on publication export, offline access, data sensitivity, and turning whiteboards into paper figures.
SciFig Team·
Okabe-Ito Color Palette: Hex Codes Reference
All eight Okabe-Ito hex codes with RGB values, colorblind-safe ordering rules, and copy-ready R, Python, and CSS snippets for scientific figures.
SciFig Team·
9 Best Open Source Diagram Tools (2026)
Open source diagram tools for research, compared on licence, offline use, self-hosting, vector export, and keeping diagrams reproducible in version control.
SciFig Team·
Paul Tol Color Schemes: Hex Codes Reference
Paul Tol's bright, high-contrast, vibrant, and muted scheme hex codes, when to pick each, and copy-ready snippets for colorblind-safe scientific figures.
SciFig Team·
Poster References: How to Format Them
How to format references on a research poster, including how many to include, sizing, numbered versus author-date styles, and using QR codes for full lists.
SciFig Team·
7 Best Prezi Alternatives for Researchers
Prezi alternatives for academic talks and lectures, compared on export formats, offline reliability, figure quality, and fit for conference presentations.
SciFig Team·
Scientific Illustration for Beginners (2026)
A beginner's guide to scientific illustration covering what to learn first, tool choices, composition rules, and how to go from sketch to publication figure.
SciFig Team·
Scientific Illustration Styles Explained
The main scientific illustration styles from line art to 3D render, when each is appropriate, and how to pick one that matches your journal and discipline.
SciFig Team·More on scientific figures
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Free AI Scientific Figure Generator and Figure Maker — Create Research Figures, Images, Illustrations and Diagrams
Text-to-Figure
Generate a figure from a plain-language description
Tools
All SciFig figure generators and the vector editor in one place.
Models
Default to GPT Image 2 for journal papers; switch to Nano Banana Pro for slides and posters; pick Nano Banana 2 for routine figure work
Tutorials
Seven short walkthroughs of the AI scientific figure generator
Inspiration
Explore publication-ready scientific figure examples, copy the prompts, and use them as starting points for your own work.
Best Color Palettes for Scientific Figures (2026)
Publication-grade and colorblind-safe color palettes for scientific figures, graphs, pie charts, combo charts, and diagrams, with HEX values.
18 Scientific Poster Examples to Learn From in 2026
18 scientific poster examples across biology, chemistry, medicine, and engineering — plus PhD examples, poster templates, and a poster-maker workflow.
How to Add Figures to a Research Paper
Step-by-step guide to including figures in research papers: placement, captions, DPI, vector formats, and journal-specific rules. Avoid common rejection causes.
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Publication-ready scientific figures, in minutes
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