Graphical abstracts

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A graphical abstract is a single schematic image that visually represents the primary findings of an article, allowing readers to easily identify the article’s main message. The graphical abstract appears at the top of the online version of the article.

An effective graphical abstract presents a clear message. Consider the following:

1. What should a reader quickly learn about my research?
2. Establish clarity in your message.
3. Exercise thoughtful restraint. Prioritize the key message over inclusiveness.

Consider AVOIDING the following:

1. Avoid excessive creativity.
2. Creating a graphical abstract is NOT just copying and pasting a figure from the manuscript; although a figure from the manuscript can be included in the graphical abstract, attempts should be made to create an abstract that is distinct from the figure itself.
3. Primary data and legends are prohibited in graphical abstracts.

Authors may upload an image file prepared according to the Journal’s figure instructions. The figure should constitute a single image, without distinct lettered parts and without a separate legend. In general, information should flow either from left to right or top to bottom. Data figures are not permitted as graphical abstracts. A schematic model figure from the article itself may be used as the graphical abstract. The following specifications are recommended:

• Size: minimum 5.5 in. (14 cm) wide
• Resolution: 600 pixels per inch (ppi)

Examples of graphical abstracts:

Furthermore, our abstracts must adhere to the Suggested Guidelines for Standardization of Visual Abstracts, which are also depicted in Table 1 of the aforementioned article:

1. Clearly state the question or purpose of the study.
2. State the research design (e.g. randomized trial, survey, etc.) in order to clearly delineate the quality of evidence
3. Include the primary outcome of the study to minimize reporting bias
4. Report when appropriate P-values or other measures of statistical significance
5. Citation to the article must be clearly displayed and linked to the actual article
6. Use language consistent with terms and definitions in the article that are free of editorialization or bias
7. Only use images for which the author has legal rights to use. If using an image generated from an internet search, please filter the search for images that can be reproduced without permission and that are high quality.

Standard Graphical Abstract (Static Image)

1. Use the Powerpoint templates provided here. The text areas should be edited. Use black or white font as they appear throughout the template for the text areas. The color backgrounds should remain as they are in the template. Format 2 (“One Outcome (RCT)”) and format 6 (“Qualitative Data”) have the option for either a colored background or a plain white, so use the option that complements your data and images the best.
2. Although a figure from the manuscript can be included in the graphical abstract, attempts should be made to create an abstract that is distinct from the figure itself.
3. Do not exceed 15 words in the Key Question section.
4. Do not exceed 30 words in the Body of the abstract.
5. Please view the graphical abstract demonstration and the open source primer on www.surgeryredesign.com for further ideas on how design the abstracts.
6. Please view other examples under #VisualAbstract on twitter.com/x.com.

A graphical abstract is a single, concise visual summary of the main findings of the article. Graphical abstracts appear on the first page of the article. In addition, if selected, they can be used to promote articles on the journals' social media feed (Twitter and Facebook), and the journals' homepage.

Template PowerPoint files are provided below as a starting point in creating your graphical abstract. Please note, you are not required to use the art provided in the PPT templates. However, authors are responsible for obtaining appropriate permissions to use any artwork from outside sources.