ACS Graphical Abstract Requirements & Template
ACS Publications graphical abstract specs: 9×3.5cm, 600 DPI, RGB, TIFF/JPEG. Free ACS-compliant template for JACS, ACS Nano, ACS Catalysis, and all ACS journals.
ACS Graphical Abstract Size: 9 cm × 3.5 cm (very wide landscape)
ACS requires graphical abstracts at 600 DPI minimum, exported as TIFF or JPEG in RGB. File size must be Under 10 MB, with fonts at No text recommended (use visuals only).
Submission Specifications
| Size | 9 cm × 3.5 cm (very wide landscape) |
|---|---|
| Minimum DPI | 600 DPI minimum |
| Color Space | RGB |
| Accepted Formats | TIFF or JPEG |
| Max File Size | Under 10 MB |
| Minimum Font Size | No text recommended (use visuals only) |
| Additional Notes | ACS has the smallest and highest-DPI format of any major publisher. The 9×3.5cm 'banner' shape is unique to ACS. Text is strongly discouraged — the image should be self-explanatory. |
How to Create a ACS Graphical Abstract in Graphab
- 1
Select your journal
Choose ACS from the journal picker in the Abstract Maker. Graphab automatically loads the correct canvas size: 9 cm × 3.5 cm (very wide landscape).
- 2
Pick a template
Browse the ACS template gallery and select one that matches your research structure (pathway, mechanism, overview, etc.).
- 3
Fill in your research
Replace placeholder content with your own figures, text, and data. The AI editor helps with layout suggestions.
- 4
Export in journal format
Export as TIFF or JPEG at 600 DPI minimum DPI. Graphab ensures the file meets all ACS submission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ACS graphical abstract size?
- ACS Publications requires 9 cm wide × 3.5 cm tall at 600 DPI. This banner-style format is unique to ACS and much smaller and higher-resolution than other publishers.
- Why does ACS require 600 DPI?
- ACS requires 600 DPI (higher than most publishers' 300 DPI) to ensure print quality at their small figure size. At 600 DPI, 9×3.5cm gives you approximately 2126×827 pixels.
- Should I include text in an ACS graphical abstract?
- ACS strongly discourages text in graphical abstracts. The image should tell the story without labels or captions. Chemical structures, reaction arrows, and molecular diagrams are preferred.








