ACS journals want a Table of Contents (TOC) / abstract graphic sized about 82 × 44 mm (roughly 3.25 × 1.75 in) at 300 DPI in RGB, submitted as TIFF or EPS. This is the same graphic ACS calls a "TOC graphic." Always confirm against the ACS abstract graphics guidelines and your specific ACS journal before you submit.
| Requirement | ACS value |
|---|---|
| Name | TOC / abstract graphic |
| Working size | ~82 × 44 mm (3.25 × 1.75 in) |
| Resolution | 300 DPI (minimum) |
| Color space | RGB |
| File formats | TIFF or EPS |
| Text | Minimal — legible at small size |
These reflect ACS's published guidance at the time of writing. Some ACS journals add their own rules, so treat this as a working reference and check your target journal's instructions.
The ACS TOC graphic appears small in the contents list and search results, so clarity beats detail:
If you don't want to redraw everything in ChemDraw or Illustrator, you can generate the figure from your paper. With Graphab the flow is:
Because the ACS graphical abstract requirements are built in as a preset, you get the right canvas and resolution without measuring by hand. Graphab exports at submission resolution as TIFF or PNG; use TIFF for an ACS submission (ACS also accepts EPS if you have a vector file).
For an ACS submission, aim for a compact ~82 × 44 mm graphic at 300 DPI in RGB, exported as TIFF, with one clear idea and minimal text — then verify the live ACS abstract graphics guidelines. If you'd rather not build it by hand, Graphab turns your abstract or sketch into an ACS-sized graphic in a few minutes.
Paste your paper abstract and Graphab drafts a publication-ready figure, sized for your target journal.
