ACS Graphical Abstract Requirements & Template

ACS Publications graphical abstract (TOC graphic) guidelines: fits ~3.25 × 1.75 in (~82 × 44 mm), 300 DPI color, TIFF/EPS. Covers JACS, ACS Nano, ACS Catalysis, and all ACS journals.

ACS Graphical Abstract Format

Wide banner ~3.25 × 1.75 in (~82 × 44 mm) — verify with target journal. Common formats: TIFF or EPS (RGB, fonts embedded or converted to outlines). Color space: RGB. Resolution: 300 DPI minimum (color); 1200 DPI for black-and-white line art.

View official ACS author guidelines →

Submission Specifications

Format / Size	Wide banner ~3.25 × 1.75 in (~82 × 44 mm) — verify with target journal
Resolution	300 DPI minimum (color); 1200 DPI for black-and-white line art
Color Space	RGB
Accepted Formats	TIFF or EPS (RGB, fonts embedded or converted to outlines)
Max File Size	Under 10 MB
Minimum Font Size	Helvetica preferred, minimum 6pt; text should be minimal
Additional Notes	ACS calls this the "Table of Contents graphic" or "TOC graphic." The design should rely on visuals rather than text. Text labeling (compound names, reaction arrows) is acceptable but lengthy text is discouraged. Guidelines updated February 2024 — confirm current specs via official PDF.

Specifications are based on published author guidelines and may change. Always verify with the official ACS author guidelines

How to Create a ACS Graphical Abstract in Graphab

1
Select your journal
Choose ACS from the journal picker in the Abstract Maker. Graphab pre-configures the output dimensions based on this journal's published guidelines.
2
Paste your abstract
Paste your abstract or a short summary. Graphab's AI generates a publication-ready graphical abstract draft, sized to ACS's specifications.
3
Review and regenerate
Review the AI draft. Not quite right? Regenerate or adjust your abstract until the figure fits your study.
4
Export and verify
Export as TIFF or PNG at 300 DPI minimum (color); 1200 DPI for black-and-white line art DPI. Before submitting, verify the final file dimensions against your journal's official author guidelines.

Start with the ACS Template

Other journal specifications

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACS graphical abstract size?: ACS Publications requires the TOC graphic to fit within approximately 3.25 × 1.75 inches (~82 × 44 mm) at 300 DPI for color images. This banner-style format is unique to ACS and quite different from other publishers. Always confirm dimensions with the official ACS TOC Graphics Guidelines PDF before submitting.
Does ACS require 600 DPI?: ACS requires 300 DPI for color and grayscale TOC graphics. The 1200 DPI requirement applies to black-and-white line art figures in the manuscript — not to the graphical abstract/TOC graphic itself.
Should I include text in an ACS graphical abstract?: ACS discourages lengthy text in TOC graphics. Chemical structures, reaction arrows, and molecular diagrams are preferred. Brief labels are acceptable, but the image should be largely self-explanatory. Use Helvetica or a similar sans-serif at minimum 6pt.

Submission Specifications

Format / Size	Wide banner ~3.25 × 1.75 in (~82 × 44 mm) — verify with target journal
Resolution	300 DPI minimum (color); 1200 DPI for black-and-white line art
Color Space	RGB
Accepted Formats	TIFF or EPS (RGB, fonts embedded or converted to outlines)
Max File Size	Under 10 MB
Minimum Font Size	Helvetica preferred, minimum 6pt; text should be minimal
Additional Notes	ACS calls this the "Table of Contents graphic" or "TOC graphic." The design should rely on visuals rather than text. Text labeling (compound names, reaction arrows) is acceptable but lengthy text is discouraged. Guidelines updated February 2024 — confirm current specs via official PDF.

Specifications are based on published author guidelines and may change. Always verify with the official ACS author guidelines

How to Create a ACS Graphical Abstract in Graphab

Select your journal

Choose ACS from the journal picker in the Abstract Maker. Graphab pre-configures the output dimensions based on this journal's published guidelines.

Paste your abstract

Paste your abstract or a short summary. Graphab's AI generates a publication-ready graphical abstract draft, sized to ACS's specifications.

Review and regenerate

Review the AI draft. Not quite right? Regenerate or adjust your abstract until the figure fits your study.

Export and verify

Export as TIFF or PNG at 300 DPI minimum (color); 1200 DPI for black-and-white line art DPI. Before submitting, verify the final file dimensions against your journal's official author guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACS graphical abstract size?

ACS Publications requires the TOC graphic to fit within approximately 3.25 × 1.75 inches (~82 × 44 mm) at 300 DPI for color images. This banner-style format is unique to ACS and quite different from other publishers. Always confirm dimensions with the official ACS TOC Graphics Guidelines PDF before submitting.

Does ACS require 600 DPI?

ACS requires 300 DPI for color and grayscale TOC graphics. The 1200 DPI requirement applies to black-and-white line art figures in the manuscript — not to the graphical abstract/TOC graphic itself.

Should I include text in an ACS graphical abstract?

ACS discourages lengthy text in TOC graphics. Chemical structures, reaction arrows, and molecular diagrams are preferred. Brief labels are acceptable, but the image should be largely self-explanatory. Use Helvetica or a similar sans-serif at minimum 6pt.